Homeless knowledge of on the role and needs of social workers

Homeless life is when an individual live without shelter and stable careers. In Malaysia, based on statistics reported by the Department of Social Welfare, the state which faced with homelessness issue are Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor, Penang and Sarawak. The problems experienced by homeless individuals are poverty, severe mental and physical illness, alcohol and other substance abuse, unemployment and low wages. The qualitative study was conducted to identify the status of homeless awareness on the existence of agencies that provide intervention assistance and counseling services provided by social workers to the homeless especially in George Town, Penang. In-depth interviews have been conducted on 20 volunteers. The data obtained were analyzed using content analysis method. The findings show that homeless people are aware of the existence of private and government agencies that offer them assistance. However, it was found that the informant choosed not to obtain the services from these agencies. The reasons given by them is there is no need for them to meet the social workers, there is no certainty of getting help from the social workers, not knowing how to approach and not ready to share their problems. In this regard, this study suggests that social workers are the best person to handle homeless issues. The competence of the social workers could empower the homeless to a better and fulfilled life. Agencies offering aid services to homeless people should ensure that they have trained and highly skilled social workers in handling homeless issues as well as providing an effective and accountable intervention plan according to the needs of the homeless.