This research study attempts to explain the thesis statement that the federal government cannot effectively or efficiently provide adequate services to eradicate the problem of homelessness in our country. This problem needs to be addressed at the micro-level, in communities and cities, by social cause organizations who want to see the problem eradicated. The problem of homelessness plagues the United States, with hundreds of thousands of people living on the streets every day. This paper intends to explain that solving the problem locally in the private sector is more efficient than using government resources. The primary research involves studying Crossroads Welcome Center, a branch of one non-profit organization in Knoxville, Tennessee, and how it attempts to deal with the problem on a local level. Crossroads exemplifies how collaborating with several other local organizations is the most efficient way to get the homeless the help they need by not duplicating services and wasting time and resources. This study also concludes that the Crossroads business model can be adapted and replicated in any city across the country. A second day room service from Lexington, Kentucky, called the New Life Day Center, was also researched.
Thesis/Dissertation