Week 1 assignment (for hifsa shakaut)

Reading Assignment: This is all in the book of “The City Reader” by LeGates and Stout online reading. https://www.vitalsource.com/

Instructor Provided Reading Assignments: 

Current Definition of Marginalized Population: https://charterforcompassion.org/charter-tool-box-a-framework-for-getting-started/marginalized-populations-treatment-of-people

Bay Area Demographics: https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/12/13/bay-area-by-the-numbers-what-new-census-data-says-about-the-region/

Skim the following: 

Oakland demographics: https://www.eastbayexpress.com/oakland/the-east-bays-changing-demographics/Content?oid=13262928

Federal Poverty Levels: https://publichealthonline.gwu.edu/blog/poverty-vs-federal-poverty-level/

To get us started with connecting the course topics to current events, I can’t help but be particularly moved by the struggles experienced by our most vulnerable populations due to COVID-19 and the shelter-in-place order. Many populations face extreme financial hardship, loss of income, struggles with basic goods, or other hardships.  Given the extreme impacts felt as a result of the shock to the economy, many are experiencing unprecedented health, financial, and mental health impacts. In particular, keeping hour most vulnerable neighbors safe is of significant concern. 

But how do you shelter-in-place when you have no home? Or when you rely on the public services for basis needs? 

Cities are struggling with how to protect the homeless during the pandemic. These two NPR pieces discuss how San Francisco and other municipal public policy makers are struggling to keep the homeless safe from the spread of the virus. 

https://www.npr.org/2020/04/15/834707256/san-francisco-legislators-call-on-mayor-to-commandeer-hotel-rooms-for-homeless

https://www.npr.org/2020/04/11/832360455/officials-across-the-u-s-scramble-to-protect-homeless-population-from-coronaviru

Answer the following questions:

1. To protect the overall health of the community, do you agree with the Board of Supervisor’s call to Mayor Breed to make hotel rooms in San Francisco available for the homeless population? Why or why not? 

2. What unintended consequences can you image could result from this type of directive, including the idea that the city should compel business/property owners to use these spaces? 

3. Should cities, like LA and San Francisco, limit or close shelters altogether in the interest of public health and safety? Why or why not? 

Note: Please write each questions and answer them. I am asking for a 3 page paper (750 words), 12 font, time romans, in-text citation and reference. Please align the readings with your response when applicable. 

Comment on Aristotle’s “Politics” from the reading list as it relates to Sinek’s ideas on the purpose of government. I realize that the video is more about American democracy and its institutions but think deeply on what Aristotle argues about the purpose of cities and states and the value of partnerships. The reading she is referring to is in the book of “The City Reader” online at www.vitalsource.com pages 249-258. For this, you can write an half page.