Addressing homelessness and health inequalities through community development

Social workers are professionals who have the skills to address social problems. Individuals may experience a variety of problems that are the result of their social environment. When enough individuals and groups in a community are facing similar problems, it can begin to affect the community as a whole. Homelessness is a prime example of a problem that can be found in different communities across the world. Homelessness represents a series of individual and systematic issues. Social workers are in a position to address social issues such as homelessness through close collaboration with individuals and community organizations. As a Master of Social Work (MSW) practicum student I worked closely with the United Way of Northern British Columbia in Prince George and learned how an organization can fund and support social programs designed to address social issues such as homelessness.