Poverty in Philadelphia

The most important element in human life is the provision of basic needs. A state in life where an individual lack food, shelter, and clothing automatically defines poverty. Nobody wants to be referred to as poor, and therefore the government, non-governmental bodies, and volunteers are doing what they can to eradicate this unwanted state of lacking. There are demerits that are associated with poverty such as unable to settle bills. It is good to acknowledge that this phenomenon occurs everywhere in the world, and therefore not even one country is an exemption. This essay focuses on Philadelphia, a city which is among the poorest in the United States and analyzes the problem experienced in the city and gives the sustainable solution to eradicate poverty.

Poverty in Philadelphia did not come by its own, there were factors or system that influenced the city towards this destitution state. The surprising thing about this city is that the level of poverty is significantly increasing. A comparison between 1970 to this day is that poverty level doubled. This shows that something terrible might be happening. Nevertheless, the government and other systems can be blamed for not taking the initiatives to deal with the problem. Proposals to solve the problems have been given, but change is yet to be seen.

Any city relies much on people because they are a resource that keeps the economy moving forward. Companies, organizations and other business need a skillful individual to work, but in the case of this city, this is a challenge. A significant number of people have found their way out of the city; more than 430,000 are estimated to leave. Suppose they had stayed, the poverty level would have dropped significantly.

The city experience's opioid crisis and many of the young and strong people have been swept away until there no more. Drugs only benefit a few but distort the life of many, and thus it is a poverty catalyst. The use of drugs is addictive to the user, and one has to keep using it to satisfy the desire. Moreover, this is extended to the family, and finally an epidemic in the whole city. The number of drug users in Philadelphia is higher compared to other cities such as Boston and Chicago. The use of drugs leads to crime in the city.

Drugs and crime are dependent on each other and cannot be separated. There are many reasons why people commit a crime, but the obvious reason is for quick money. In Philadelphia, gun violence has become a daily occurring thing. It is estimated that over a thousand cases of gun violence are reported yearly. Nevertheless, there are cases of homicide related to gun violence. Therefore, crime is an element that shows there is unemployment and drug addiction makes the city poorer than it was before.

Due to law enforcers and justice system, criminals must face punishment to make sure the victim gets justice and such crime is not repeated. Philadelphia Treatment Court deals with drug-related cases. Unfortunately, many of those imprisoned use harmful drugs and substance. Therefore, the statics suggests that a big number of people use drugs and end up in prison and the energy is wasted. Moreover, their family's faces stigma, loss of their loved ones, compromised mental, physical, and low production in school.

For a solution to be found, a problem must first be established. The problem listed above shows the city suffers from an opioid. The use of hard drugs and overdose are the challenge in Philadelphia. The important thing is to conduct a campaign against the risks of opioid use. Media is an influential platform that can campaign directly to consumers thus minimizing the use of drugs (Kenney). The public awareness should mainly focus on the disorders of using opioid perhaps this will make them make a turn back. Moreover, there should be a plan on how to improve professionalism in health care. Practitioners' competency enables them to prescribe opioid drugs with the knowledge of disorders.

It would be important if the provision of proper treatment to the victims. There are barriers that compromise the quality of the treatment, and therefore obstacles that impede treatment should be done away with. There are a number of recommendations that would expand treatment. Increasing the sites that cater for treatment service, working seven days a week and partnering with the state would make a huge impact on access and treatment. People should be encouraged not to leave the state, but to build it.

When people avoid drugs and substance use they will be in a position to work, and therefore the government and business-oriented companies should invest to open job for Philadelphia residents. Moreover, the young generation should be supported perhaps in education or any field that is beneficial to society. Jobs improve the living standard of people hence poverty will be minimized (Kenney). Most of the houses are in poor condition, the federal government should improve the housing condition of the people to meet their basic need. Besides, gun violence should be taken on a serious note. The government should ensure that these cases are minimized by using any necessary measure including education and law strictness.

In conclusion, Philadelphia faces many challenges that are a problem for the resident and the whole of the United States. It is a fact that the rate of poverty is higher, and this has been fueled by crime, use of drugs and substance, poor housing. However, the important thing is to focus on the solutions which are improving housing condition, the creation of jobs and focusing on control, treatment of opioid and reducing the rate of violence.

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