The Root Causes of Homelessness

Homelessness is one of the most difficult problems facing America. It’s not just about lack of housing, but also about a whole range of other issues such as poverty, mental illness, substance use, and lack of social capital. The number of Americans experiencing homelessness is staggering. In 2023, 653,104 people were without homes on a single night. That’s up more than 6% since the year before.

But there is hope. Recognition is growing that homelessness can be prevented and reversed, especially by addressing the root causes. And there is a growing recognition that the most important step to preventing homelessness is to provide affordable, safe, and stable housing.

A person is considered homeless if they lack a permanent place to stay or if they are living in places not meant for human habitation (e.g., under bridges), in emergency shelter, transitional housing, or on the street. The federal government defines the term “homeless” using the McKinney-Vento Act, which includes a broad definition of what it means to be without a home.

In addition to a lack of affordable and stable housing, the root causes of homelessness include:

Unemployment – Many people who experience homelessness live in communities with high unemployment rates, which can make finding a job even more challenging. In addition, high unemployment can increase the likelihood of experiencing an eviction or other negative housing outcomes.

Lack of Affordable Health Care – Serious illness or injury can be a major cause of homelessness for families and individuals. When a person cannot afford needed medical treatment, they may be forced to spend all their savings on care, which can lead to a loss of income and the inability to pay rent.

Domestic Violence – Women and children are particularly vulnerable to homelessness due to the impact of intimate partner violence. According to a recent study, 17 percent of cisgender women and 5 percent of men who are homeless experienced homelessness as a result of abuse.

A New Kind of Homelessness

Youth are disproportionately impacted by homelessness, which can have long-term impacts on their lives and the life chances of their children. The majority of young people experiencing homelessness are unsheltered, meaning they’re sleeping on the streets or staying at friends’ houses. This group is often called the invisible homeless because their numbers are underreported.

The good news is that the number of youth experiencing homelessness is dropping. But much more needs to be done, including investing in prevention efforts and expanding education opportunities. To ensure the highest quality of life for youth, it is crucial to address the underlying conditions that contribute to their homelessness, such as trauma, neglect, and poor academic achievement. We need a strong and effective partnership between public, private, and nonprofit organizations to help young people reach their full potential.