A Comparative Analysis of Homelessness: A Case of New York City and the City of Chicago

Abstract

The concept of homelessness is evolving with time and so are its definitions. Sentimental definitions of homelessness have also led to definitional inconsistencies and these limitations have the ability to obscure how countries and cities respond to homelessness. With rapid urbanization and regular country-driven conflicts which exacerbate migration, it is without a doubt going to be difficult for cities to eradicate homelessness in the near future. Many cities of the world are not only struggling to have a common understanding of a homeless person, but also have difficulties in developing and implementing strategies to deal with homelessness. It is for this reason that this study focused on the comparative analysis of how New York City and the City of Chicago, which have been hailed as the most successful cities in reducing homelessness, have dealt with this phenomenon. The study used qualitative and comparative analysis to determine the cross-cutting themes between the two cities. The study has evidently emphasized and demonstrated, among other things, the significance of the legislation to provide exclusively for homeless people and also the formulation of Strategies by cities to deal with homelessness. Recommendations were made based on what cities could learn from both New York City and the City of Chicago respectively.