http://kenan.ethics.duke.edu/teamkenan/everyone-deserves-a-home/ Sun, 10 Feb 2013 23:18:02 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.1 http://kenan.ethics.duke.edu/teamkenan/everyone-deserves-a-home/#comment-33 Sadhna G Tue, 15 Mar 2011 06:29:31 +0000 http://devilsdilemma.wordpress.com/?p=420#comment-33 Like you, I have mixed views on EDAR and its approach towards fixing homelessness. This past week I did an alternate spring break program focused on the issues of hunger and homelessness in Durham. I definitely agree that despite the large number of non-profits and organizations dedicated to ending homelessness, the problem does not really seem to be going away. I think this might be because each organization tends to have its own agenda and specific mission, which means that many of the programs are not comprehensive. Homelessness is often caused by unexpected unemployment or mental and physical disabilities. Providing a temporary shelter certainly does not address these structural causes and does not create a long-term or sustainable solution to the problem. If we stick to programs like EDAR, there is little chance that we will be able to end homelessness in our country because there are systematic factors that are creating the problem. EDAR probably won't help a homeless man live the American Dream. Yet, at the same time, without EDAR a homeless man may not get the chance to live at all. Its a tough issue to deal with--- address the root causes or focus on putting a band-aid on the problem first? Like you, I have mixed views on EDAR and its approach towards fixing homelessness. This past week I did an alternate spring break program focused on the issues of hunger and homelessness in Durham. I definitely agree that despite the large number of non-profits and organizations dedicated to ending homelessness, the problem does not really seem to be going away.
I think this might be because each organization tends to have its own agenda and specific mission, which means that many of the programs are not comprehensive. Homelessness is often caused by unexpected unemployment or mental and physical disabilities. Providing a temporary shelter certainly does not address these structural causes and does not create a long-term or sustainable solution to the problem.
If we stick to programs like EDAR, there is little chance that we will be able to end homelessness in our country because there are systematic factors that are creating the problem.
EDAR probably won’t help a homeless man live the American Dream. Yet, at the same time, without EDAR a homeless man may not get the chance to live at all.
Its a tough issue to deal with— address the root causes or focus on putting a band-aid on the problem first?

]]> http://kenan.ethics.duke.edu/teamkenan/everyone-deserves-a-home/#comment-32 Peter Samuelson Sat, 05 Mar 2011 01:29:18 +0000 http://devilsdilemma.wordpress.com/?p=420#comment-32 Smart comments all. You have it right. EDAR is not a perfect solution. On a ten scale it is a 5. But it only costs $500 to get a man, woman or child off the damp concrete. Building a shelter costs $5o,000 per bed it generates. It just seems morally indefensible to not help those sleeping rough when we clearly easily can. Smart comments all. You have it right. EDAR is not a perfect solution. On a ten scale it is a 5. But it only costs $500 to get a man, woman or child off the damp concrete. Building a shelter costs $5o,000 per bed it generates. It just seems morally indefensible to not help those sleeping rough when we clearly easily can.

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