Homelessness in the USA

Homelessness in the USA is not merely statistics and “fuzzy math”. It’s a social epidemic that impacts millions of lives. You don’t have to be a member of any particular political party to care about this issue. This should be a problem that is important to all: Republicans, Democrats, Independents, Moderates, Liberals, and Conservatives. Compassion for our fellow humans should know no politics.

Despite being one of the wealthiest nations on the globe, the U.S. struggles to find ways to effectively address this pervasive issue. According to the 2023 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress, “on a single night in 2023, roughly 653,100 people – or about 20 of every 10,000 people in the United States – were experiencing homelessness”.

Since the U.S. Government started keeping metrics on homelessness in the USA in 2007, the United States has averaged over half a million people experiencing homelessness on any given night. Between 2022 and 2023, an additional 70,650 people became unhomed, an increase of 12%¹. This staggering number reflects some profound systemic issues ingrained within American society.

Unfortunately, many people won’t look the unhomed in the eyes for fear of engagement. There’s also an unjustified fear that many of the homeless are on substances like drugs or alcohol. According to the 2023 Homeless Count & Survey Analysis, only one of four unhomed persons reported having a substance use disorder (27%; alcohol and/or other drugs)².

Homelessness is a complex issue that ultimately affects millions of people in the United States of America. It’s a problem that touches the lives of individuals, families, and communities across the nation. In this comprehensive post, we delve deep into the root causes, prevailing challenges, and potential solutions surrounding homelessness in America.

Defining Homelessness

Before we delve into the causes of homelessness, let’s first understand what it means to be homeless. Homelessness is not just about lacking a physical shelter; it encompasses a range of situations that result in unstable housing or living conditions. This includes individuals living in emergency shelters, transitional housing, or even temporarily staying with friends or family due to a lack of permanent housing.

The Scope of Homelessness in the USAs

The statistics surrounding homelessness in the United States are staggering. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the unhomed includes individuals, families with children, veterans, and even unaccompanied youth.

While homelessness affects every state in the country, certain areas bear a heavier burden. Cities such as Los Angeles, New York City, and Seattle have particularly high rates of homelessness. However, it is important to remember that homelessness is not just an urban issue; it is prevalent in rural and suburban areas as well. Every state has a population of unhomed.

Types of Homelessness

Contrary to common misconceptions, homelessness isn’t a monolithic experience. Rather, it manifests in various forms, each with its unique challenges. To address the problems with people experiencing homelessness also requires understanding the different types of homelessness individuals may experience.

1. Chronic Homelessness

Chronic homelessness refers to individuals who experience long-term or repeated bouts of homelessness. These individuals typically struggle to maintain stable housing for extended periods. They frequently cycle between shelters, temporary accommodations, and the streets. People experiencing chronic homelessness sometimes have severe mental health issues, substance abuse disorders, or physical disabilities. 

The causes of chronic homelessness are multifaceted. They may include systemic issues such as lack of affordable housing, insufficient support services, and barriers to quality healthcare. Mental illness and substance abuse can exacerbate this condition. Without an adequate support system in place, it these issues may make it challenging for individuals to break free from the cycle of chronic homelessness.

Addressing chronic homelessness requires a comprehensive approach that treats the person and not the symptom. For example, combating chronic homelessness requires combining assistance with housing, supportive services such as mental health treatment, substance abuse counseling, and job training. Housing First initiatives, like The Way Home Houston, which prioritizes stable housing have shown promising results.

2. Transitional Homelessness

Transitional homelessness is temporary. It occurs when there is a sudden loss of housing due to factors such as domestic violence, eviction, job loss, or an unforeseen medical condition. Unlike chronic homelessness, transitional homelessness may be associated with a short-term crisis. If the individual’s needs are quickly addressed, they may be able to regain stable housing.

People experiencing transitional homelessness may live in their vehicles, find emergency shelters, or stay with friends and family. Usually, this is a temporary state while they secure permanent housing. While transitional homelessness can cause stress – job counseling/placement services, eviction prevention programs, and rental assistance can help stabilize people’s housing situations and avoid long-term homelessness.

3. Episodic Homelessness

Episodic homelessness involves individuals who experience recurring periods of homelessness with periods of stable housing. These cycles may result from factors such as financial instability, inadequate support, or temporary periods of unemployment. While individuals experiencing episodic homelessness may regain housing, they often face challenges in maintaining long-term stability.

Effective interventions for episodic homelessness may include targeted support services aimed at addressing the root causes of housing instability, such as employment assistance, financial training, and mental health counseling. Providing access to affordable and supportive housing programs can help break the cycle of episodic homelessness. Stable accommodations coupled with wraparound services are essential in addressing episodic homelessness.

4. Hidden Homelessness

Hidden homelessness encompasses individuals who lack stable housing but may not fit traditional definitions of homelessness. They also may avoid accessing support services. This often includes individuals couch-surfing, staying in overcrowded or substandard living conditions, or living in temporary accommodations such as motels or boarding houses. While these individuals may not visibly be facing homelessness, they still face challenges associated with housing instability. They may be at risk of falling into more severe forms of homelessness if their situation worsens.

Addressing hidden homelessness requires proactive outreach efforts to identify and assist individuals who may be experiencing housing instability but are not connected to traditional homeless services. This can involve expanding affordable housing options, increasing access to supportive services in community settings, and implementing policies to prevent housing crises before they escalate.

Additional Causes of Homelessness in the USA

Understanding the causes of homelessness is crucial. While there is no single cause that can explain why someone becomes homeless, there are multiple common factors that contribute to and exacerbate the problem.

Affordable Housing

One of the primary causes of homelessness is the lack of affordable housing. As housing costs continue to rise, many individuals and families find it increasingly difficult to secure stable and affordable housing.  Rental prices have continued to skyrocket.

Stagnant wages make it increasingly difficult for low-income individuals to secure stable housing. Research from the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University highlights that nearly half of all renters in the U.S. are cost-burdened, meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing.  This is particularly true for those with low incomes or who are living on the edge of poverty⁴.

Additionally, the shortage of affordable housing is exacerbated by the limited availability of government-subsidized housing programs. The demand for affordable housing far outweighs the supply, leaving many individuals without a safe and stable place to call home.

Economic Inequality

Economic inequality is a significant driver of homelessness in the United States. As income inequality continues to rise, many low-income individuals and families struggle to afford housing. According to a report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC), there is a shortage of over 7 million affordable and available rental homes for extremely low-income renters³.

Family Instability

Family instability, including domestic violence, family disputes, and inadequate support systems, can lead to homelessness, particularly among women and children. Research from the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) indicates that domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness among women, with approximately 80% of homeless women and children were previously victims of domestic violence as the primary reason for their homelessness⁷.

Mental Health

Mental health issues and substance abuse problems can happen among individuals experiencing homelessness. Some people who are homeless struggle with untreated mental illnesses, making it challenging for them to maintain stable housing or seek employment.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), approximately 26% of homeless adults staying in shelters live with serious mental illness, and 34% struggle with chronic substance abuse⁶. In the Houston area, the number of people on the street due to mental health or substance abuse is 12%, significantly less than the national average. The lack of access to mental health treatment and substance abuse programs further exacerbates the problem of people facing homelessness.

Poverty, Unemployment, and Underemployment

Job instability and unemployment contribute significantly to homelessness. The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) reports that despite overall improvements in the labor market, many Americans still face challenges in finding stable employment with adequate wages⁵. Additionally, underemployment, where individuals are working part-time, don’t get enough hours or are in jobs below their skill level, further compounds the issue.

Poverty and unemployment are significant contributors to homelessness. Many individuals experiencing homelessness struggle with poverty, often living below the poverty line. The lack of stable employment opportunities makes it difficult for them to afford housing and meet their basic needs.

Furthermore, job loss, layoffs, or unexpected financial setbacks can push individuals and families into homelessness. Without a safety net or adequate support systems, it can be challenging to recover from such setbacks and regain stable housing.

Substance Abuse

Substance abuse issues can also contribute to homelessness, as addiction can lead to financial instability and strained relationships. Without access to proper treatment and support, individuals battling mental health or substance abuse problems often find themselves without a stable place to live.

Support

The lack of access or an inability to find supportive services, such as affordable healthcare, counseling, and job training programs makes it difficult for individuals experiencing homelessness to break the cycle. Without access to these vital resources, it becomes challenging for them to address the underlying issues that contributed to their homelessness.

Homelessness in the USA Challenges

Discrimination and Stigmatization

Homeless individuals often face discrimination and stigmas. Discrimination that occurs in employment, education, and housing opportunities perpetuates the cycle of homelessness. Research published by the American Psychological Association (APA) highlights the pervasive stigma faced by the homeless population, which can hinder their access to essential services and support⁸.

Furthermore, facing homelessness in the USA means that social stigmas keep access to bathroom facilities, washrooms, showers, and running water. Contributing to an inability for the unhomed to get and/or stay clean. In many cases, using the bathroom facilities in gas stations, grocery stores, and fast food restaurants might be enough to get the unhomed asked to leave. Contrary to what many believe, these are not public facilities.

In many cases, the homeless live in fear of being “trespassed” – asked to leave and never come back. If they do, law enforcement can, and in most cases, will arrest them. Even if they don’t get trespassed, many of the unhomed are embarrassed or might get called out and shamed for their appearance. Before you do, you might consider how the homeless don’t normally have significant or daily access to running water.

Lack of Access to Healthcare

Poverty-stricken individuals encounter barriers to accessing healthcare services, exacerbating physical and mental health conditions. Many causes of poor health in the homeless population include extreme poverty, harsh living environments, trauma, and structural barriers to care⁹.

Unfortunately, being on the streets and living homeless can cause heart disease, substance abuse disorders, infectious diseases, and suicide. Mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders can be prevalent among the homeless population; for example, alcohol and drug dependence rates are ~38% and ~24%, respectively¹⁰.

A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that homeless individuals are more likely to suffer from chronic health conditions, infectious diseases, and mental health disorders compared to the general population¹¹. Limited access to healthcare facilities and providers further compounds these health disparities.

Vulnerability to Violence and Exploitation

Homelessness in the USA puts people living on the streets in proximity to various physical dangers. Those dangers include assault, theft, and the potential for human trafficking. According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) Domestic and Sexual Violence Fact Sheet, homeless individuals, particularly women and children, are at heightened risk of violence and exploitation¹². The lack of access to safe and stable housing options leaves them vulnerable to exploitation by perpetrators. In some cases, it may be that housing exists but can’t be found because of a lack of awareness.

Limited Social Support

The absence of robust social safety nets leaves many homeless individuals without adequate support systems to help them navigate their way out of homelessness. A study published in the Journal of Social Distress and the Homeless emphasizes the importance of social support networks in mitigating the negative effects of homelessness and facilitating pathways to stability¹³. However, many homeless individuals lack access to supportive relationships and networks due to their marginalized status.

Potential Solutions and Interventions

Affordable Housing Initiatives

Investing in the construction of affordable housing units and expanding rental assistance programs can provide stable housing for vulnerable populations. Research from the Urban Institute suggests that every $100 increase in median rent results in a 15% increase in homelessness¹⁴. Therefore, affordable housing initiatives are crucial in addressing homelessness in the USA at its root.

The good news is that there are many grassroots efforts as well as national efforts to invest in affordable housing. The Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) uses its Texas Housing Impact Fund to provide short and long-term loans to housing developers to build affordable housing in their communities.

Further, the Affordable Communities of Texas (ACT) is a statewide land bank and trust program. The program is designed to acquire foreclosed and vacant properties to turn these properties into affordable housing for working families¹⁵.

Comprehensive Support Services

Making comprehensive support services, including mental health treatment, substance abuse counseling, and employment assistance, can help address underlying issues that contribute to being unhomed. The National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH) advocates for a Housing First approach, which prioritizes providing housing to individuals experiencing homelessness in the USA without preconditions, followed by access to supportive services¹⁶.

Prevention Strategies

Early intervention programs that target at-risk people and populations can help reduce the risk of the conditions that contribute to homelessness. Some of those vulnerable groups of people include youth aging out of foster care and veterans transitioning to civilian life. If we can provide treatment and apply prevention strategies for these individuals, we can attempt to prevent homelessness before it occurs. The Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) emphasizes the importance of prevention efforts in reducing the inflow of individuals into homelessness and saving public resources in the long run¹⁷.

Advocacy and Policy Reform

Advocating for policies that prioritize affordable housing, healthcare access, and social welfare programs is crucial in addressing the systemic factors driving solutions to the problems of homelessness in the USA. Organizations like the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) work to influence public policy and allocate resources toward ending homelessness through grassroots advocacy and awareness campaigns¹⁸.

Conclusion

Homelessness in the USA is a complex issue with multiple causes. It is a problem that requires a comprehensive and compassionate approach to address effectively. By understanding the causes of homelessness, we can work towards implementing sustainable solutions that provide individuals and families with the support and resources they need to regain stability and find a place to call home.

In many cases throughout the U.S., there are many local resources available. The problem this website is attempting to solve is collecting, categorizing, and making that information available to those who need it.

Sources

• 1 – 2024 Report on America’s Rental Housing Report, Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University
• 2 – The Gap: A Shortage of Affordable Rental Homes, National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC)
• 3 – Domestic Violence and Homelessness, National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH)
• 4 – Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
• 5 – Wages, Incomes, and Wealth, Economic Policy Institute (EPI)
• 6- 2023 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress, Part 1, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
• 7 – 2023 Homeless Count & Survey Analysis, Coalition for the Homeless
• 8 – Ending Homelessness: Helping People without Homes, American Psychological Association (APA)
• 9 – Figure 1, Interventions to Improve Health Outcomes Among Homeless People, Nature.com
• 10 – The health of homeless people in high-income countries: descriptive epidemiology, health consequences, and clinical and policy recommendations, The Lancet
• 11 – Factors Associated with Readmission Among General Internal Medicine Patients Experiencing Homelessness, National Library of Medicine
• 12 – Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Fact Sheet, National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV)
• 13 – Social assets and mental distress among the homeless: Exploring the roles of social support and other forms of social capital on depression, Social Science Science & Medicine
• 14 – How Covid-19 Could Aggravate the Homelessness Crisis, US Government Accountability Office
• 15 – Current Investment Opportunities, Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC)
• 16 – Housing First, National Alliance to End Homelessness
• 17 – Supportive Housing 101 and FAQs, Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH)
• 18 – Who we Are, National Coalition for the Homeless