In America today, homelessness stands as a stark and persistent challenge, affecting more than half a million people. This underscores the complexity of homelessness, compounded by poverty, the scarcity of affordable housing, mental health and substance abuse issues.
Homelessness stems from multiple, intertwined causes:
Economic Insecurity
Poverty and unemployment push individuals towards homelessness, as they struggle to afford housing and basic necessities.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2019, the official poverty rate was 10.5%, representing 34 million people living in poverty in the United States. While this was a decrease from previous years, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 reversed many of these gains, exacerbating conditions leading to homelessness
Affordable Housing Crisis:
The escalating costs of housing leave many unable to secure stable accommodations.
The National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) states in its 2021 report that there is a shortage of 7 million affordable and available rental homes for extremely low-income renters, with only 37 affordable and available homes for every 100 extremely low-income renter households. This scarcity of affordable housing significantly contributes to homelessness among the impoverished and unemployed.
From the graph, we observe a consistent increase in both wages and housing costs from 1970 to 2020. Notably, the rate of increase in housing costs appears to outpace the growth in wages, particularly in the latter decades. This trend suggests that, over time, housing has become a larger financial burden relative to income, potentially contributing to the affordability challenges faced by many Americans today.
Health Challenges
Mental health and substance abuse issues complicate the ability to maintain housing and employment.
Studies indicate that mental health disorders are prevalent among homeless individuals at rates much higher than the general population. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that approximately 30% of people experiencing chronic homelessness have a mental health condition.
When healthcare includes mental healthcare as a nation we directly address homelessness, gun violence, domestic violence, and addiction.
Addressing these root causes is pivotal to effectively combatting homelessness, necessitating policy reforms to enhance access to affordable housing, healthcare, and job training.
The Detrimental Impact of Homelessness
Homelessness inflicts profound negative effects on individuals, communities, and society:
Health Deterioration
Homeless individuals face severe physical and mental health issues, from malnutrition to infectious diseases and psychological disorders.
Homeless populations are at a higher risk for infectious diseases due to overcrowded living conditions and limited access to hygiene facilities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports increased vulnerability to diseases like tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis C, and HIV among homeless individuals compared to the general population.
Public restrooms and sanitation can greatly improve the health of these populations if for some reason housing them is impossible in the wealthiest nation in the world.
Research indicates that homeless individuals face compounded physical and mental health risks, leading to a higher prevalence of co-occurring health conditions. These comorbidities significantly impact life expectancy, with a study in "The Lancet" revealing that the average life expectancy for homeless individuals is approximately 30 years shorter than the general population (Source: "The Lancet", "Premature mortality in homeless populations: A review of the literature").
The risk of violence and victimization is heightened, including assault and exploitation.
Homelessness imposes economic burdens through increased healthcare and emergency services costs, strains community resources, and impacts environmental well-being.
Understanding the extensive impacts of homelessness is crucial for mobilizing effective interventions and policy measures.
The Imperative for Political Action on Homelessness
The upcoming election presents a vital opportunity to prioritize homelessness, a reflection of our societal values and commitment to human rights. Addressing homelessness is essential for fostering a just and equitable society, improving health outcomes, enhancing community well-being, and bolstering economic productivity.
We must invest in affordable housing. Affordable housing provides a stable living environment for individuals and families at risk of homelessness. The National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) emphasizes that the lack of affordable housing is a primary cause of homelessness. By increasing the supply of affordable homes, communities can directly reduce the number of people living without shelter.
Affordable housing is a lever for social mobility, allowing individuals and families to allocate resources towards education, healthcare, and career development rather than disproportionately spending on housing costs. This investment facilitates upward mobility and reduces intergenerational poverty.
Most wealthy people come from wealthy families, same goes for poor folks. Access to affordable housing gives the next generation a chance.
Successful examples from various cities and states demonstrate the effectiveness of comprehensive and collaborative strategies, emphasizing the need for a unified effort involving government, community organizations, and the private sector.
Fiscal responsibility is a pillar of conservative values and it is often cheaper to provide affordable housing than to allow people to remain homeless.
A study in the "Journal of the American Medical Association" found that providing permanent supportive housing to homeless individuals with chronic illnesses significantly reduced their use of emergency services and hospitalizations, resulting in an average cost savings of $4,745 per person per year.
The Central Florida Commission on Homelessness study reported that the cost of leaving a person homeless averaged $31,065 per year, primarily due to hospitalizations, jail stays, and emergency room visits, compared to $10,051 per year to provide housing and case management services.
We can save billions of dollars each and every year if we provide housing to the homeless. We can reduce spending and uphold our values as good decent people.
In the face of America's escalating homelessness crisis, a stark reflection of systemic failings and socio-economic disparities, the time for action is now. This isn't merely a call for empathy but a demand for strategic, compassionate policymaking that recognizes housing as a fundamental human right, essential for the dignity and well-being of every citizen. The data and stories we've shared illuminate the multifaceted nature of homelessness, rooted in economic insecurity, the affordable housing crisis, and compounded health challenges, each factor weaving into the next to create a tapestry of urgent need.
As we approach a critical juncture in our nation's political landscape, the upcoming election presents an unparalleled opportunity to place homelessness at the forefront of our collective consciousness, to challenge candidates and policymakers to commit to tangible, sustainable solutions. Investing in affordable housing is not just a moral imperative but a fiscal strategy that promises long-term savings and societal benefits, aligning with the principles of fiscal responsibility and human compassion alike.
Let this moment be a turning point, where we, as a nation, affirm our commitment to eradicating homelessness, to fostering a society where every individual has the security of a home, and the support to thrive. We must rally behind policies that offer not just shelter but hope and a pathway to stability for those in need. This is a call to action for all voters, policymakers, and community leaders: to prioritize, advocate for, and implement solutions that address the root causes of homelessness, transforming our collective vision of a just and equitable society into reality. The time to act is now—our shared humanity demands it.
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