Identify one agency in your community that can assist this vulnerable group and assess this agency in terms of the 4 A’s (see the lesson). Discuss each of the A’s separately to assess accessibility, acceptability, affordability, and availability for this population.

Example:

A local shelter for homeless persons is one of the agencies that can provide assistance to this vulnerable group. The following is an assessment of this agency in terms of the 4 A’s:

1. Accessibility: The shelter for the homeless is situated in an area easily reachable by public transport. The homeless shelter provides transportation to those who can’t get there themselves. The accessibility can be difficult for those living in rural or remote areas.
2. Acceptability: Professionals are trained to treat clients with respect and dignity. It also offers a wide range of services for the homeless, like meals, showers and medical care. Some individuals who are homeless may not feel comfortable seeking assistance from a shelter because of societal attitudes toward homelessness.
3. Services provided at no cost: Shelters rely on community donations and government funding for their operation. The availability of resources can be restricted, resulting in waiting lists or limited access to service.
4. Availability: This homeless shelter accepts clients based on first-come-first-served. It is available 24 hours per day, 7-days a week. Due to the limited number of resources available, it is possible that this shelter will be full and not be able to take on any new clients. The shelter may not be able to accept new clients due to limited resources.

The local shelter for the homeless is a service that provides assistance to the most vulnerable homeless people in the community. However, it is important to consider the 4 A’s when assessing the accessibility, acceptability, affordability, and availability of the agency’s services for this population.