The burden of dental disease in American has been termed a "silent epidemic," affecting the most vulnerable populations in society. Poor oral health has been linked with general health issues, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, as well as decreased mental health and impairments in social functioning. This burden weighs particularly heavy on the homeless, who are not only denied access to private systems of care, but are further rejected by an inadequately supported public safety net. Despite the recognition of social inequalities and the call for further scientific research, oral health care has not been extensively recognized within sociology. The aim of this research was to uncover how Central Florida's homeless adults cope with oral health issues in the face of barriers. This study intends to begin closing the gap by exploring the ways in which structural inequalities are embodied in the teeth of the homeless. Twenty-five semi-structured interviews were conducted with homeless individuals in the Central Florida area in regards to their oral health and coping mechanisms. Results indicate that without conventional access to dental care, homeless are forced to rely on emergency departments, alcohol, illegal drugs, home remedies, and over-the-counter medications. When treatment was received, only emergency services were provided. This led to an extraction-denture treatment model which left many homeless individuals edentulous, with continued complications in their ability to eat, work, and talk.

The research is attempting to acknowledge and explain the impact, if any, on homeless individuals not wearing socks. The curiosity for this study started on December 25th, 2018 when my family and I were volunteering at a homeless shelter in South Florida. After having numerous conversations with homeless individuals, I was informed on how they do not have enough pairs of socks to keep their feet in a healthy condition. Thus, I decided to initiate a sock drive to improve the lives of those who are homeless. This study is looking at a series of articles that are reviewing the different foot issues amongst the homeless community but are looking to see if socks play a role in the feet developing any foot diseases. It was hypothesized that homeless individuals will be at greater risk for foot disease if they live outside and have improper footwear. The objective of the study sought to review the current literature on the lack of socks for those who are homeless. Between the United States and Canada, it is estimated that nearly 700,000 individuals are homeless in a 2016 report. Of the 700,000 there are roughly two-thirds of this population that have some type of disease with their foot (To and Brothers, 2017). Majority of people who perform a good deed, such as give away old clothes or shoes, very seldomly donate socks according to the company Bombas socks. Throughout the course of my time volunteering, I have witnessed several homeless individuals wear shoes but not socks. Due to uncomfortableness, the individuals remove their shoes and it is very eye opening to observe their feet. Homeless shall be defined as “having no home or permanent place of residence” as per the Merriam-Webster's dictionary. The study was reported based on guidelines recommended by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) of 125 studies related to homelessness and foot diseases and disorders. Literature searches were carried out on PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. With an evidentiary table, the characteristics of the studies included in the meta-analysis (n = 100 studies) are presented. This analysis suggests that not wearing the appropriate foot protection (shoes and/or socks) leads to an increase in foot diseases and disorders among the homeless.

No description available.

No description available.

No description available.

No description available.

No description available.

No description available.

Hostile architecture is a passive design phenomenon in cities used to discourage the public presence of the unhoused population. Examples include benches with middle armrests to prevent individuals from lying to sleep and trashcans with locks to prevent garbage picking. These designs exist within a larger web of anti-homeless laws and regulations popularized by neoliberal governments as broader social welfare programs that support this vulnerable population are abandoned. The homeless population is one that faces several health disparities and increased mortality compared to the general population. Hostile architecture likely influences the health of the homeless and worsens these disparities by forcing these individuals to relocate to more remote and harmful places in the city. Due to this relationship, hostile architecture can and should be brought into the purview of the field of urban bioethics using several ethical frameworks. It is only through a multidisciplinary approach that research deficits can be addressed, and the plight of the homeless community be improved. / Urban Bioethics

This Integrated Learning Experience (ILE) investigates service providers' perceptions of Johnson City, Tennessee's homelessness services, aiming to inform a city-wide strategic plan for reduction. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study gathered qualitative data through in-depth interviews with service providers in 2022 and quantitative data via a 2024 survey. The research focused on those directly involved in serving or significantly influencing the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness (IEH). Three key aims guided the investigation: (1) To analyze provider perspectives to identify community assets, opportunities, barriers, and unmet needs, informing a comprehensive needs assessment; (2) To refine these findings through SWOT analysis and collaborative consensus-building with service providers and key partners; and (3) To develop and disseminate a city-wide strategic plan for coordinated, multi-level action to reduce homelessness. The survey specifically targeted providers most directly impacted by or capable of influencing the lives of IEH. The study's findings highlight a fragmented system characterized by limited resources, particularly affordable housing, and significant communication barriers between agencies. While strong community partnerships exist, inconsistent data collection and a lack of coordinated case management hinder effective service delivery. This necessitates a strategic plan, informed by a community-driven SWOT analysis, to address these challenges. The resulting plan emphasizes four foundational principles: data-driven decision-making, collaboration, sustainability, and equity and inclusion. Three key strategic areas are proposed: expanding access to stable and affordable housing through addressing systems gaps, implementing robust crisis intervention and response mechanisms, and developing proactive prevention strategies. This approach, aligned with USICH best practices, aims to improve the service system through policy advocacy, increased resource access, and strengthened stakeholder collaboration, ultimately striving for a substantial reduction in homelessness within Johnson City, Tennessee. The strategic plan, therefore, serves as a critical tool for local policymakers and service providers, guiding their efforts toward a more effective and coordinated response to homelessness in the community. The integrated approach of this ILE, encompassing both qualitative and quantitative research methods, ensures a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the current landscape, paving the way for a more impactful and sustainable solution to homelessness in Johnson City.