Homelessness in the United States is a complex issue influenced by a range of factors that contribute to housing instability. Understanding the causes can help inform strategies and interventions to address this pressing problem. Here is a summary of some key factors contributing to homelessness:
Lack of Affordable Housing: The scarcity of affordable housing is a significant driver of homelessness. Rising housing costs, stagnant wages, and limited availability of affordable units create a challenging environment where individuals and families struggle to secure and maintain stable housing. Insufficient affordable housing options leave many with no choice but to live in inadequate or overcrowded conditions, pushing them towards homelessness.
Economic Challenges and Poverty: Financial instability, unemployment, and underemployment contribute to homelessness. Job loss, layoffs, or low wages can make it difficult for individuals and families to afford housing expenses, leading to evictions and homelessness. The lack of a safety net, such as savings or access to supportive resources, further exacerbates the risk. Poverty is closely intertwined with homelessness. Individuals and families living below the poverty line often face immense challenges in meeting their basic needs, including housing. Poverty can result from a range of factors, such as limited educational opportunities, lack of job prospects, systemic inequalities, and discrimination, all of which increase the risk of homelessness.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse: Mental health issues and substance abuse contribute to homelessness and can create a cycle that is challenging to break. Individuals experiencing mental health challenges may face difficulties in maintaining stable housing, accessing support systems, and finding appropriate treatment. Substance abuse, including drug addiction and alcoholism, can strain relationships, lead to financial instability, and result in housing instability and homelessness.
Domestic Violence: Domestic violence is a significant cause of homelessness, particularly among women and families. Survivors of domestic violence often face the difficult choice of leaving unsafe environments, sometimes with limited resources or support networks. Escaping abuse can lead to homelessness if alternative housing options are unavailable, leaving individuals and families vulnerable.
Some of the numbers
Point-in-Time Count: According to the 2020 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), on a single night in January 2020, approximately 580,466 people were experiencing homelessness across the country.
Sheltered and Unsheltered Homelessness: The majority of homeless individuals (65%) were staying in emergency shelters or transitional housing programs, while the remaining 35% were unsheltered, living on the streets, in cars, abandoned buildings, or other places not meant for human habitation.
Homelessness by Population Groups: Certain populations are particularly vulnerable to homelessness. The AHAR report indicated that on that single night in January 2020, the following subpopulations accounted for a significant proportion of the homeless population:
- Individuals in families: 36% of the total homeless population
- Unaccompanied youth under the age of 25: 6%
- Veterans: 8%
- Individuals experiencing chronic homelessness: 18%
Homelessness by Region: Homelessness is not evenly distributed across the country. Certain regions and states have higher rates of homelessness. In 2020, the states with the highest rates of homelessness per 10,000 people were District of Columbia, Hawaii, New York, California, and Oregon.