In 2019, an estimated 568,000 people in the United States were experiencing homelessness. Around 400,000 of those people were individuals, around 171,000 people in families, 96,000 chronically homeless individuals, 37,000 veterans, and 35,000 were unaccompanied youth.
But what causes homelessness and who is most affected? Read on to learn more about homelessness in the United States and how you can help. If you are experiencing homelessness, scroll to the bottom of the article for helpful resources.

Photo by Maarten van den Heuvel on Unsplash

Causes of Homelessness

There are many reasons for homelessness. Oftentimes, homelessness is the result of several factors rather than born from a single cause. 

• Structural factors

Structural factors refer to economic and societal issues that affect opportunities for individuals. This might lead to inadequate income, a lack of affordable housing and health supports, and/or discrimination. 

• Housing

A shortage of affordable housing directly contributes to homelessness, but discrimination can also impede access to housing, employment, or helpful services. Particularly sexual and racial minorities are at a greater risk of experiencing such discrimination. 

• Poverty

Poverty and homelessness are directly linked. There are a variety of reasons for poverty, but impoverished people are frequently unable to pay for necessities such as health care, education, food, or housing. There are 40.6 million people in the United States who officially live in poverty. Impoverished people are especially vulnerable to homelessness, as it can mean that one accident, one illness, or one bill might result in them having to live on the street. 

• Personal circumstances

There are a variety of personal circumstances that can contribute to homelessness, including traumatic events, personal crises, mental health or addiction challenges, or disabilities.

• Domestic violence

Family violence can force individuals and families to leave home suddenly, without proper support in place. People who are experiencing family violence, particularly women, young people, and racial/sexual minorities, are particularly at risk of becoming homeless. 

• System failures 

System failures occur when systems of support fail, resulting in people having to turn to the homelessness sector for care and support. These system failures can include a lack of support for immigrants and refugees, inadequate discharge for people leaving hospitals, or difficult transitions from child welfare. 

Who experiences homelessness?

Everyone can experience homelessness. However, some groups are particularly at risk, including people living in poverty and sexual/racial minorities. For instance, 160 out of every 10,000 Pacific Islanders and Native Americans experience homelessness – the national average is 17 out of every 10,000. 

Similarly, Black Americans, multiracial Americans, and Hispanics/Latinxs are also far more likely to be homeless than the national average and than white Americans. For instance, even though Black Americans only represent 12% of the population, they account for 40% of people experiencing homelessness. 

This racial disparity is a by-product of systemic discrimination and inequity, with Black Americans and other racial minorities having systematically been denied rights and socioeconomic opportunities. Learn more about the lingering effects of racism here. 

Photo by Tom Parsons on Unsplash

What can you do to help homeless people?

There are a variety of ways you can help someone experiencing homelessness:

• Treat homeless people with respect

Sometimes, you can help by implementing small changes. For instance, it might help to say “good morning” when passing a person on the street, and simply acknowledging them. Many homeless people report that the loss of dignity accompanying their situation can often be harder than the loss of material things. 

• Donate

Remember that you don’t necessarily have to donate money. You can also donate old clothes, food, shoes, or things like small kitchen items, books, or blankets. You can either donate directly to a homeless shelter or if you know someone homeless, you can also hand them your items directly. 

• Volunteer

You can also donate your time by volunteering at a homeless shelter. This often includes answering phones, distributing clothes, or serving food. Give your local homeless shelter a call and see what they need help with. 

• Use technology to help

Several apps directly help someone experiencing homelessness. If you are based in or near San Francisco, you can download the app “HandUp” to read the stories of homeless people in your area and donate directly to them.
If you are based in Atlanta, you can download the app “Luv4wrd”, where every post you upload equals a coat, blanket, or pair of gloves to someone living on the streets.
For the New Yorkers among you, download the “WeShelter” app to learn how to help homeless people in your area. 

• It’s the small things

If you pass a homeless person on the street, be polite and consider smiling at them. You can also offer small things, such as some spare change, a bottle of water, or a sandwich from the shop around the corner. It can also help to look up your area’s resources and pass them along, such as places where to shower, where soup kitchens are, where to get medical care, or how to get food stamps. 

Resources if you are experiencing homelessness

• Resources if you are struggling with mental or substance use disorders
• Call the 211 hotlines if you are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless
• Local resources if you are experiencing homelessness
• Find a free or charitable clinic in your area
• How to get help if you are experiencing homelessness
• Find a health center in your area offering free and/or accessible care
  
• Find a shelter near you
• If you are experiencing homelessness due to domestic violence, click here for resources
• Find a local food bank 
• Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program for nutritious foods, counseling, and screening 
• Call 1-800-221-5689 for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

Photo by Dimi Katsavaris on Unsplash

Conclusion

There are many reasons why someone might experience homelessness, including – but not limited to – poverty, system failure, personal circumstances, and poverty.
If you are experiencing homelessness, reach out to one of the resources above to find a shelter, food banks, counseling, or receive access to medical care.
If you are not experiencing homelessness, consider volunteering at a local shelter or donating old clothes or other items, and remember to treat people who are homeless with the respect they deserve.

Written by Samira Rauner, blogger at Safe Harbor International Ministries. For more articles, visit our blog page at https://safeharborim.com/articles/.