orce, and they will probably be available to help with renovating and decorating when they have their immediate issues of substance abuse and health issues addressed. Once the living quarters are completed, the homeless can move in and be surrounded by safe and secure living conditions. A full time staff of qualified workers is needed which in turn will create job creation for the community. Such people are also a resource for training for the mentally ill and possible employment if the appropriate fields.A social workers strongest area of contribution is allowing the populations to explore their own strengths and weaknesses. When we are in a position to self explore and self-actualize (Maslows Hierarchy of Needs) as a community and as individuals, we gain a sense of empowerment. This empowerment leads us to internal change that creates an environment of positive energy. Our community example in Calgary is in need of such empowerment. A great resource for finding people to empower is the availability of schools and libraries. These public facilities can be used as meeting places, but also as places where education of the masses can occur. This is a start. A social workers involvement in developing a common framework between our two segments of the Calgary community is a positive step in community building.The mentally ill are deeply misunderstood by every area of society. We let fear and superstition guide our beliefs and management of these peoples issues. Politicians are slow to react to the plight of the mentally ill and they tend to push the issues onto the medical field or the correctional system. There seems to be little in the way of public funds for people with special needs and when families are overwhelmed there is no place to turn for help and financial assistance. If there were more public outcry for the needs of mentally ill people there would be more discourse from the government level. The squeaky wheel get...
