What causes homelessness?
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Homelessness is in fact caused by tragic life occurrences like the loss of loved ones, job loss, domestic violence, divorce and family disputes. Other factors such as depression, untreated mental illness, post traumatic stress disorder, and physical disabilities are also responsible for a large portion of the homeless. Many factors push people into living on the street. Acknowledging these things can help facilitate the end of homelessness in America.
On the Portland Rescue Mission they list the top 5 causes of Homelessness and as follow they are:
1.) Addiction
68% of U.S. cities report that addiction is their single largest cause of homelessness. A formerly homeless addict is likely to return to homelessness unless they deal with the addiction. Treatment programs are needed to treat the root causes of addiction and help men and women find a way back home, but treatment can be costly so they can never get the help they need and they fall back into the addiction.
2.) Domestic Violence
50% of homeless women and children are fleeing domestic violence. When a woman is abused, she faces a crisis of safety. If she stays in the home, she’ll be beaten again. If she leaves, she’ll have little means of support. Either choice is a tremendous risk. Choosing homelessness over abuse is both a brave and frightening decision.
3.) Mental Illness
6% of the American population suffers from mental illnesses. In the homeless population, that number jumps to 20-25%. Serious mental illnesses disrupt people’s ability to carry out essential aspects of daily life, such as self care and household management. Without assistance, these men and women have little chance of gaining stability.
4.) Unemployment
The economy has many Americans barely getting by financially. Many are underemployed at wages that can’t support them. Layoffs and job cuts leave individuals and families in desperate circumstances. Unemployment benefits and savings run out, leaving people homeless who never thought it could happen to them.
5.) Post-traumatic Stress
On any given night, as many as 200,000 military veterans sleep on the street. The percentage of veterans with post-traumatic stress is growing among those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Adapting to “normal life” back in the U.S. is proving to be extremely difficult for the men and women who have served for their country. Unable to cope, some choose to leave homes, loved ones and jobs behind for homelessness and/or addiction.
On the Portland Rescue Mission they list the top 5 causes of Homelessness and as follow they are:
1.) Addiction
68% of U.S. cities report that addiction is their single largest cause of homelessness. A formerly homeless addict is likely to return to homelessness unless they deal with the addiction. Treatment programs are needed to treat the root causes of addiction and help men and women find a way back home, but treatment can be costly so they can never get the help they need and they fall back into the addiction.
2.) Domestic Violence
50% of homeless women and children are fleeing domestic violence. When a woman is abused, she faces a crisis of safety. If she stays in the home, she’ll be beaten again. If she leaves, she’ll have little means of support. Either choice is a tremendous risk. Choosing homelessness over abuse is both a brave and frightening decision.
3.) Mental Illness
6% of the American population suffers from mental illnesses. In the homeless population, that number jumps to 20-25%. Serious mental illnesses disrupt people’s ability to carry out essential aspects of daily life, such as self care and household management. Without assistance, these men and women have little chance of gaining stability.
4.) Unemployment
The economy has many Americans barely getting by financially. Many are underemployed at wages that can’t support them. Layoffs and job cuts leave individuals and families in desperate circumstances. Unemployment benefits and savings run out, leaving people homeless who never thought it could happen to them.
5.) Post-traumatic Stress
On any given night, as many as 200,000 military veterans sleep on the street. The percentage of veterans with post-traumatic stress is growing among those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Adapting to “normal life” back in the U.S. is proving to be extremely difficult for the men and women who have served for their country. Unable to cope, some choose to leave homes, loved ones and jobs behind for homelessness and/or addiction.