Addressing Homelessness in Namibia: A Call to Action

 

As a social worker deeply invested in community welfare, I've witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by individuals living on the streets in Namibia. Behind the picturesque landscapes and vibrant culture, there exists a hidden struggle—a struggle for survival and dignity among those without stable shelter. Today, I want to shed light on this pressing issue and explore initiatives that could pave the way towards meaningful change.

Recent newspaper articles (The Namibian, April 5, 2024) have highlighted the growing problem of homelessness in urban centers like Windhoek and Walvis Bay. Economic hardships, unemployment, and social factors contribute to this alarming trend. However, amidst these challenges, there is hope. Through collective action and targeted interventions, we can make a difference.

Understanding the Issue

Homelessness goes beyond mere lack of housing. It encompasses a range of interconnected issues, including mental health struggles, substance abuse, and limited access to essential services. Many individuals on the streets face discrimination and social exclusion, aggravating their vulnerability.

Initiatives for Change

  1. Housing First Approach: One promising initiative, discussed in The Namibian (March 20, 2024), is the adoption of a "Housing First" model. This approach prioritizes providing stable housing as a first step towards addressing other challenges like unemployment and healthcare access. By securing safe and affordable housing, individuals can better focus on rebuilding their lives.
  2. Community Outreach and Support Programs: Collaborative efforts involving NGOs, community organizations, and government agencies are essential. Outreach programs can provide essential services such as medical care, counseling, and skills training directly to those in need. These programs bridge the gap between services and the homeless population, fostering trust and empowerment. The City of Windhoek released an article about its collaborative efforts with NGOs on ‘Breaking the cycle of child begging’ which illustrated information; Local soup kitchens under COW, Easy-To-Drop off places for donations, Children's Homes and Children Shelters in The Namibian, (April 10, 2024).
  3. Advocacy and Policy Reform: Engaging policymakers to prioritize homelessness as a social issue is crucial. Strengthening social safety nets, investing in affordable housing, and expanding employment opportunities are vital steps towards long-term solutions. Recent editorials (The Namibian, April 10, 2024) have emphasized the importance of policy changes to address systemic causes of homelessness.
  4. Education and Awareness Campaigns: Public awareness plays a key role in destigmatizing homelessness and garnering support for solutions. By fostering empathy and understanding, we can build a more compassionate society committed to addressing the underlying causes of poverty and homelessness.

Call to Action

As social workers and advocates, we have a responsibility to champion initiatives that promote social justice and equity. Together, we can create lasting change for individuals experiencing homelessness in Namibia.

I invite you to join me in supporting local organizations, volunteering your time, and advocating for policies that prioritize housing and social welfare. Every small effort contributes to a brighter future for those in need.

Let's stand together to ensure that everyone in Namibia has access to the basic human right of safe and dignified housing. Together, we can make a difference.

Thank you for your commitment to this important cause.

References:

  1. "Rising Concern Over Homelessness in Windhoek" - The Namibian, April 5, 2024.
  2. "NGOs Push for Policy Changes to Address Homelessness" - The Namibian, March 20, 2024.
  3. "Editorial: Addressing Systemic Causes of Homelessness" - The Namibian, April 10, 2024.

Top of Form

 


Comments

  1. NDUMBA KApril 14, 2024 at 11:25 AM

    You have conceptualize this issue very well. Let's hear what your colleagues will say

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DelaineApril 16, 2024 at 7:32 AM

      Thank you for your feedback

      Delete
    2. Princess MandieApril 16, 2024 at 2:31 PM

      This article immediately made me think of the homeless people who where relocated from living under the bridges and so forth to the Khomasdal stadium during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Almost four years later, these people are still living in tents at this stadium and their plight seems to have been forgotten by those who took the decision to relocate them to this space. A space that was suppose to be for recreational activities for young people, is now a space for gross violation of human dignity by our leaders on the most vulnerable members of our community. Imagine children being born and growing up under such conditions. Let me leave this one here.

      In my opinion, the issue of affordable housing is not applicable to this group of homeless people, because they cannot afford to buy or pay for any house. What we should rather look at is cost free housing for homeless people, but it is a costly process for the government. From my experience being in Sweden, I learned that they are able to afford to provide free houses to homeless Swedish people funded through tax payers money (progressive tax system). A progressive tax is a tax in which the tax rate increases as the taxable amount increases. Now the question is are we in Namibia prepared to pay more tax? I remember the late president in 2015 or 2016, suggesting the issue of solidarity tax in order for us to be able to take care of our most vulnerable members of our communities. However, this was met with unfavorable reaction an d hence it never materialize.

      I am also curious to know from your context as a social worker in a hospital setting, how are discharge cases handled of a hospitalized homeless person whose health condition requires to be managed from home and not really necessary for hospitalization. Where do you discharge them to? and if they are kept in the hospital for longer periods, what is the implication of that on the ministry? What role do social workers play in such cases?

      Delete
    3. DelaineApril 19, 2024 at 5:12 AM

      Thank you so much for your comprehensive comment. I will definitely address your questions in my next blog.

      Delete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

People Living on the Streets in Windhoek, Namibia

Image
  Dear readers, take time to reflect on the issue of people living on the streets.  People end up living on the streets for different reasons and some of them are poverty, hunger, and food security. The city of Windhoek has observed an increase in the number of children living on the streets while conducting different activities. These children are seen begging for food or money on/beside the road, selling items, offering assistance services, and some children are seen smoking petrol in containers. The system in place for helping these children is placing them at the After School Centre, the Namibian Orphanage Home, and SOS Children Home which offers a variety of programs for the children. However, The Namibian Newspaper, reported that the City Police Chief Leevi Iileka stated “We have been experiencing, with great concern, an increasing number of children living and working on the streets. These pressing issues not only jeopardize the health and safety of these individuals bu...
Read more