What Are the Causes of the Homeless Problem?
The National Coalition to End Homelessness estimates an average of 670,000 adults and children throughout the country are homeless at any point in time. Statistics on homelessness vary, and numbers fluctuate as some people find housing and others lose their homes. Still, advocates for homeless individuals and families cite a number of consistent root causes for this widespread problem.
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Poverty
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For many homeless people and families, a place to live is out of their economic reach. The University of Michigan's National Poverty Center reports that as of 2009, more than 14 percent of the U.S. population lived at or below the poverty level, which was set at just over $22,000 for a family of four. Jobs for low-income earners have decreased and wages have stagnated despite the increased cost of living. In 2010, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development dispersed more than $18 billion in housing subsidies known as Section 8 vouchers. While vouchers cover 70 percent of rent payments and help many in need, most eligible individuals and families wait an average of 35 months to receive the help.
Lack of Housing
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The average fair-market cost of a two-bedroom apartment has shot up 41 percent since 2000, which locked most low-income people out of the private housing market. Overall, rental units, the only option for many families, have decreased by about 200,000 apartments annually. The Department of Housing and Urban Development provides support for 1.2 million public housing units, but the demand exceeds the supply.
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Mental Illness and Substance Abuse
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The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration estimates that between 20 and 25 percent of homeless adults struggle with some type of chronic mental illness. Psychiatric disorders interfere with people's ability to reason and recognize the expectations of the world around them and they can become alienated and isolated from friends and family. Mentally ill adults are often unable to meet the responsibilities of maintaining a home or caring for themselves. SAMSA also estimates that half of the mentally ill population living on the streets is addicted to drugs or alcohol.
Lack of Veterans Services
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According to the Veterans Administration, the average number of homeless veterans of all ages and from all military conflicts is roughly 107,000. Veterans face the same economic barriers to a home as others, but their problems are often compounded by post traumatic stress syndrome and substance abuse. The VA also recognizes that many vets returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from traumatic brain injury, which can have lasting effects on cognitive skills and emotions. In addition to these problems that often lead veterans to isolation and homelessness, much of the assistance for homeless people is targeted toward helping families. The vast majority of homeless vets are single, male adults.
Domestic Violence
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Women and children who leave violent relationships often have few economic resources. Abusers often control and isolate their victims, leaving them with limited networks of support through family and friends. Statistics vary, but most studies draw a significant link between homelessness and domestic violence. In addition to women and children, the Office of Juvenile Justice reports approximately 1.7 million teens between the ages of 15 and 17 are either runaways or homeless. Some leave their families to escape physical or sexual abuse; others flee from difficult foster home situations. Pregnant, gay and lesbian teens rejected by parents account for 6 to 20 percent of homeless youth.
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References
- National Alliance to End Homelessness: Snapshot of Homelessness
- National Coalition to End Homelessness: Why Are People Homeless?
- University of Michigan, National Poverty Center: Poverty in the United States
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: 2009 HHS Poverty Guidlines
- National Council of State Housing Agencies: Housing Choice and Section 8 Voucher Fact Sheet 2010
- National Coalition for Homeless Veterans: Background & Statistics
Resources
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