Global poverty

In my current position working with New York City homeless I focus on a very micro aspect of a macro issue that is pervasive throughout the world. Poverty and serious mental illness affect millions throughout the world and in New York City while we have intense difficulties to overcome when it comes to homelessness we have built a lot of infrastructure to help support these persons. Because this issue is one which every country must in some way deal with it is a very global experience.

In my work the most apparent global issue I come face to face with is that of immigration. Many people who are homeless in New York city especially with serious mental illness have come from other countries or other parts of the united states because there is little infrastructure to support them where they come from. Many may view this as a burden on the state but for many of these individuals it is there only chance at a productive and stable life.