Cultural Immersion Project-1

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Cultural Immersion Project: Research and Events 1 Cultural Immersion Project: Research and Events Jean Gilmore Liberty University CEFS504: Multicultural Counseling Ralph Fox December 03, 2023

Cultural Immersion Project: Research and Events 2 Abstract Two of the most perplexing issues of our time that have attracted significant attention in our media outlets are "home" and "homeless." When facing homelessness, we face others, and when meeting others, we face ourselves. Homelessness is "the state of having no home." For those who are living in large cities, like me, it is easy to become numb to the homeless problem. We see homeless people on the streets, asking for change practically daily. We accept that a certain amount of homelessness is inevitable, but homelessness is not a given. Most people have the conclusion that homelessness relates to mental health and substance use; however, this idea is not always the truth. For instance, homelessness can be caused by a lack of affordable housing, insufficient income, and, in certain circumstances, domestic violence. For those experiencing homelessness, it is virtually impossible to seek employment or to achieve treatment for mental health, substance abuse, and addiction issues. Keywords : home, homelessness, poverty.

Cultural Immersion Project: Research and Events 3 Research Portion Common attitudes, beliefs, and values In our society, a perception of homeless people exists that creates a far-reaching selection of assumptions, many of which are incorrect. Such fallacies are hazardous and gravely disturb pursuits of aid to those in need. It is estimated that more than 150 million people worldwide are homeless (Gu et al., 2021). These negative impressions are often ingrained, and those helping believe the assumptions make people unwilling to help (Shay, 2022). A typical attitude is that homeless people are criminals. Stereotyping is one of the most significant harms as it formulates unreasonable fear of people experiencing homelessness. This issue discourages many people who might be willing to help others from doing so (Shay, 2022). Continual stereotyping prevents employment and affordable housing and makes it difficult for non-profit organizations to provide services due to objections from neighbors fearing for their safety (Shay, 2022). A second misconception is that homeless people have an addiction or are "mentally disturbed." Whether or not those emotionally disturbed became mentally unstable as an aftereffect of trauma, violence, or other stresses experienced while living without adequate shelter is questionable, and no research is available to suggest otherwise (Shay, 2022). This belief that homeless people are dangerous creates anxiety and suggests that they should be hospitalized instead of helped. Although mental instability can produce failure in independent living, rather than be feared, it should be treated. The third and final misconception of the homeless population is that many are "addicts" or "drunks." Many of these are neither, although, in the United States, approximately half of the

Cultural Immersion Project: Research and Events 4 adult homeless population currently struggle with addictions or have past addictions in the past; many of them do not have any history of substance use (Shay, 2022). Prominent customs, practices, and behaviors There is an excellent distinction between a house and a home. A house is a physical structure, whereas a home implies something deeper and more relational (Song et al., 2020). A home positively connects people within the structure (Song et al., 2020). Although the meaning of home depicts a notion of comfort, safety, and love, it also can be a place of disrespect, restrictions, fear, and abuse (Song et al., 2020). So, when the suffix “less” is attached to the word home, it nullifies its essence or positive qualities (Song et al., 2020). The health effects of homelessness have higher incidence and severity of illness and injury, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart attack, are almost twice as frequent among people experiencing homelessness than in the general population; substance use disorders are three times as frequent; and depression and hepatitis C are more than six times as prevalent (Watts, 2021). Lacking stable housing makes treating such conditions more difficult and further damages health (Watts, 2021). People, on average, dying on the streets live roughly 30 fewer years, and the homeless population death rate is at least twice that of the general population (Watts, 2021). People experiencing homelessness seek primary care less frequently because they are uninsured and have experienced the stigma of many healthcare organizations, resulting in frequent emergency department use (Watts, 2021). Homeless individuals are hospitalized four times more than the general population and have longer inpatient stays (Watts, 2021). Moral injury and distress occur among healthcare professionals when they feel they cannot provide quality care and healing or when providers feel restricted from doing what they believe to be correct (Watts, 2021). Attitudes or practices toward spirituality and religion.

Cultural Immersion Project: Research and Events 5 Spiritual practices are any intentional personal activity that engages with a divine power. Spiritual practices can include praying, meditating, reflecting on daily life, and religious rituals like attending a service within a formal congregation (Marr & Silva, 2022). Spirituality plays a vital role in both our mental and physical well-being. Spirituality, for most, is a coping skill cited to be a source of strength, comfort, and often positivity in the face of adversity. Spirituality emphasizes the integration of the mind, body, and soul. Spirituality plays a role in our emotional and mental capacities to handle challenges and practice health-promoting mannerisms. Matthew 25:34-40 shows us that when we show pity, compassion, and kindness to those in difficult straits, we practice the merciful attitude God expects each of His children to exhibit (Holy Bible, KJV). As the numbers continue to increase for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, the need for effective care programs continues to rise. Homeless shelters offer various services, from hot showers and hygiene products to job training and mental health care; it is not uncommon for faith-based shelters to offer pastoral services (Lovett & Weisz, 2020). According to Testoni et al. (2020), we can determine that religiosity cannot be considered a preventative factor of addiction or suicidal thoughts. Although closely related, it is essential to mention that religiosity and spirituality are complex and distinct constructs. Some studies have shown how spiritual and religious practices can bolster transitions out of homelessness. Especially for people with substance use disorders, other participants, staff, and volunteers in religious programs can, in some cases, serve as a sober spiritual community. In such a community, people can feel loved and worthy, helping them cope with depression and anger. Social ties in these communities can also help people avoid crime and unhealthy behavior, leading to job and housing referrals (Marr & Silva, 2022). Inter-group and Intra-group characteristics.

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