Intersecting Systems

How homelessness connects with healthcare, criminal justice, housing markets, and other systems.

Homelessness does not exist in isolation. It is deeply interconnected with numerous social, economic, and institutional systems. This section examines how these systems interact with homelessness, often creating compounding barriers for people experiencing housing instability.

Housing Markets and Affordability Crisis

Explore how housing market dynamics, zoning policies, and the affordable housing shortage contribute to homelessness and limit pathways to stable housing.

Healthcare Access and Outcomes

Learn how homelessness impacts health outcomes and access to care, while healthcare costs and gaps in mental health services can contribute to housing instability.

Criminal Justice and Criminalization

Understand the cyclical relationship between homelessness and the criminal justice system, including how criminalization of homelessness perpetuates housing instability.

Employment, Wages, and Economic Opportunity

Examine how labor market conditions, wage stagnation, and barriers to employment affect housing stability and pathways out of homelessness.

Education and Youth Homelessness

Learn about the educational challenges faced by students experiencing homelessness and how educational attainment affects long-term housing stability.

Social Safety Nets and Service Gaps

Explore how the design and implementation of social safety net programs can either prevent or contribute to homelessness through their accessibility and adequacy.