Social services and homeless families Working in the field of homeless services I have seen many families trying to earn a living, but do not have the resources or skills to live independent. As a housing specialist I have assisted many families by encouraging them and teaching them the skills to maintain permanent housing. Although my profession is to obtain permanent housing, many families must overcome several factors or obstacles. Most of these families have experienced traumatic events such as domestic violence or drug use within the family unit. These families are sometimes trapped in their own mindset of fear and anger which can sometimes hinder progress. The question is what the real problem at hand is: One of the most successful cities in the world has the highest rate of homelessness since the Great Depression. I read two articles that have to do with New York's homeless family population and taking action on the homeless crisis in New York. According to the New York Times, it talks about a girl who lived in the family shelter for three years and her experiences in a shelter deemed unsafe and unsuitable for children. Lack of resources and affordable housing has always been the main issue for the revolving doors in the shelter system. The number of homeless people in New York City is predominantly higher than in outside states. According to the Department of Homeless Services, New York City's homelessness rate is higher than other states due to a 53% lack of affordable housing. The lack of affordable housing has caused many families to be evicted. Many families work minimum wage jobs and the fear of losing their jobs... middle of paper... the family enters the shelter again. Social services will provide the extra support a family may need to deal with problems. ON. Without social services these families would have been left without adequate services. Social services and counselors offer homeless families a second chance at life. Social services provide this second chance for families in our communities to function in today's society. The purpose of social workers is to give hope to individuals and show the individual that he or she is capable of overcoming the most difficult events in his or her life and still be productive for society. Works cited. http://www.nyc.gov/html/dhs/html/about/about.shtml. NP Network. January 9, 2014. http://www.coalitionforthehomeless.org/pages/basic-facts. NP Network. January 9, 2014.Farley, William. Introduction to social work. 12. New York: Prentice Hall PTR, 2011. 130-150. Press.