Understanding US's homelessness Crisis : Problems & Suggestions 2023

Homelessness is a major issue in the United States, affecting millions of people every year. The root causes of homelessness are complex and include a lack of affordable housing, poverty, and mental health and addiction issues. Efforts to address homelessness involve a combination of providing short-term shelter and resources, such as food and medical care, as well as long-term solutions, such as building affordable housing and providing job training and mental health services. The federal government and local communities are working together to tackle this issue, but much more needs to be done to fully address homelessness in the US.

According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, as of January 2021:

On a single night in January 2021, there were an estimated 567,715 people experiencing homelessness in the United States.
Of this population, about 16% (or 91,892 people) were unsheltered and living on the streets.
The remaining 84% (475,823 people) were staying in emergency shelters or transitional housing programs.
Homelessness increased by 2.7% since the previous year, driven largely by a rise in unsheltered homelessness.
Some populations are at a higher risk of homelessness, including veterans, families with children, and people experiencing chronic homelessness.

Why homelessness is Increasing in the USA?

The increase in homelessness in the United States is driven by a complex set of factors, including:

Lack of affordable housing: The high cost of housing, particularly in urban areas, is a major contributor to homelessness. Many people are unable to find or afford stable housing, which can lead to them becoming homeless.
Economic factors: Unemployment, low-wage jobs, and poverty can all contribute to homelessness, as people may be unable to pay for housing and other basic needs. Economic recessions and other factors that disrupt the job market can also lead to an increase in homelessness.
Mental health and addiction: Mental illness and substance abuse are often underlying factors in homelessness. People with these conditions may have difficulty maintaining stable housing, and they may also face barriers to accessing mental health and addiction treatment.
Domestic violence and trauma: Domestic violence and other traumatic experiences can disrupt a person’s ability to maintain stable housing and can lead to homelessness.
Discharge from institutional settings: People who are released from institutions such as hospitals, prisons, and psychiatric facilities may be at risk of homelessness if they lack support and resources.
Natural disasters and displacement: Natural disasters and other events can displace people from their homes and lead to homelessness.

Homelessness is a nationwide issue in the United States, affecting people in both urban and rural areas. However, some cities and regions have higher concentrations of homeless individuals and families.

According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, the following metropolitan areas had the highest number of homeless individuals in 2020:

New York City, NY
Los Angeles, CA
Seattle/King County, WA
San Francisco, CA
San Jose/Santa Clara City and County, CA

These areas are known for their high cost of living, which can make it difficult for people to find and afford stable housing. In addition, these cities also have large populations and a higher demand for affordable housing, which can further exacerbate the problem of homelessness.

Major Communities Facing the Homelessness

Homelessness affects people from all walks of life, and people from a variety of racial and ethnic communities can experience homelessness. However, some communities are disproportionately affected by homelessness.

According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s 2020 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress:

African Americans represented 40% of the homeless population, even though they make up only 13% of the general population.
American Indians and Alaskan Natives represented 2% of the homeless population, even though they make up only 1% of the general population.
Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders represented 0.5% of the homeless population, even though they make up only 0.2% of the general population.
Hispanics represented 33% of the homeless population, even though they make up 18% of the general population.
White individuals represented 40% of the homeless population, even though they make up 60% of the general population.

Disease and difficulties

Homeless individuals face a number of physical, mental, and emotional health challenges. Some of the most common health issues faced by homeless people in the United States include:

Chronic illness: Homeless individuals are more likely to have chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS.
Mental health issues: Homelessness can exacerbate pre-existing mental health conditions and contribute to the development of new mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.
Substance abuse: Substance abuse is a common issue among homeless individuals and can contribute to a cycle of poverty and homelessness.
Physical injury and trauma: Homeless individuals are at increased risk of physical injury and trauma due to exposure to violence, neglect, and unsanitary living conditions.
Poor nutrition: Homeless individuals may struggle to access healthy food and may experience malnutrition.
Lack of access to healthcare: Homeless individuals may face barriers to accessing healthcare, including lack of insurance and transportation.

What Government is doing to Help Homeless People?

The US government has taken a number of steps to address homelessness and provide support to homeless individuals and families. Some of the key initiatives and programs include:

Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG): The Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) program provides funding to states and localities to help prevent homelessness and provide rapid re-housing assistance to people who are experiencing homelessness. The program provides funding for emergency shelter operations, street outreach services, and rapid re-housing assistance, including rental and utility assistance, security deposits, and moving costs. ESG funds may also be used to provide supportive services to help people maintain their housing, such as case management and job training.
Continuum of Care (CoC) Program: The Continuum of Care (CoC) Program is a competitive grant program that provides funding to local organizations to address homelessness in their communities. The program provides funding for a range of services, including outreach, emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent housing. The CoC Program also supports the implementation of the Housing First approach, which aims to provide people experiencing homelessness with stable, permanent housing as quickly as possible, without preconditions such as sobriety or employment.
Housing First: Housing First is a national strategy that aims to end homelessness by providing people with stable, permanent housing as quickly as possible, without preconditions such as sobriety or employment. The approach recognizes that stable housing is a foundation for addressing other needs, such as healthcare and employment, and that people are better able to address these needs when they have a stable place to live. Housing First programs provide a range of services and support, including case management, health, and mental health services, and employment assistance, to help people maintain their housing.
Supportive Services for Veterans Families (SSVF): The Supportive Services for Veterans Families (SSVF) program provides support to low-income veteran families who are at risk of becoming homeless or experiencing homelessness. The program provides a range of services, including case management, temporary financial assistance, and legal services, to help veteran families achieve and maintain stable housing. SSVF also provides outreach and engagement services to connect veterans and their families with the resources and services they need to overcome homelessness.
U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH): The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) is a federal agency that coordinates the efforts of 19 federal departments and agencies to end homelessness in the United States. USICH provides leadership and guidance on strategies to prevent and end homelessness and works to coordinate the implementation of federal programs and initiatives aimed at addressing homelessness. USICH also provides technical assistance and support to states and localities to help them develop and implement effective strategies to address homelessness in their communities.
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act: The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is the primary federal law aimed at addressing homelessness in the United States. The act provides funding for a range of programs and initiatives aimed at preventing and ending homelessness, including emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing. The act also requires states to provide educational support to homeless children and youth, including transportation to their schools of origin and assistance with enrolling in school.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program: The VA Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program provides grants to organizations to provide supportive services to veterans and their families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The program provides a range of services, including case management, temporary financial assistance, and legal services, to help veteran families achieve and maintain stable housing.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) Program: The VA Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) Program provides vouchers to veterans to help them pay for housing. The vouchers can be used to pay for rent in private housing or in units owned and operated by the VA. The program also provides case management and supportive services to help veterans maintain their housing.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) Program: The HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) Program provides vouchers to veterans to help them pay for housing. The vouchers can be used to pay for rent in private housing or in units owned and operated by HUD. The program also provides case management and supportive services to help veterans maintain their housing.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Runaway and Homeless Youth Program: The HHS Runaway and Homeless Youth Program provide funding to organizations to provide services to runaway and homeless youth, including emergency shelter, counseling, and outreach services. The program also provides funding for outreach and prevention services, and for the development and operation of street outreach programs.
Department of Education (ED) Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) Program: The ED Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) Program provides funding to states to help ensure that homeless children and youth have access to free and appropriate public education. The program provides funding for educational support services, such as transportation to school and assistance with enrolling in school. The program also provides technical assistance and support to states and localities to help them better serve homeless children and youth.

How a homeless person can apply for all these Programs?

The process for applying for homeless assistance programs in the United States varies depending on the program and the individual’s circumstances. However, here are some general steps that a homeless person can follow to apply for these programs:

Determine eligibility: Before applying for a program, it’s important to determine whether you are eligible for the program. Eligibility criteria for homeless assistance programs vary and may include factors such as age, income, veteran status, and length of time homeless.
Gather necessary documentation: To apply for a program, you may need to provide documentation such as proof of identity, proof of income, and proof of homelessness. It’s important to have all of the necessary documentation ready when you apply.
Contact a local homeless assistance program: Many homeless assistance programs are administered at the local level, so it’s important to find a program in your area. To find a program near you, you can contact your local Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Veterans Affairs, or Department of Housing and Urban Development office.
Complete an application: Once you have determined that you are eligible for a program and have gathered the necessary documentation, you can complete an application for the program. The application process can vary depending on the program and the administering agency but may include an in-person interview, a written application, or an online application.
Wait for a decision: After you submit your application, you will need to wait for a decision. The length of time it takes to receive a decision can vary depending on the program and the number of applicants.
Follow-up: If you have not received a decision within a reasonable amount of time, it’s important to follow up with the administering agency to find out the status of your application.

It’s important to keep in mind that homeless assistance programs can have limited funding and a high demand for services, so it’s possible that not all applicants will be able to receive assistance. However, by following these steps, homeless person can increase their chances of being able to access the help they need to achieve and maintain stable housing.

What is the Proof of Homeless how one can get it?

Proof of homelessness can be used to demonstrate eligibility for homeless assistance programs and services, such as emergency shelters, transitional housing, and other supportive services. The type of proof required can vary depending on the program and the administering agency. Here are some common forms of proof of homelessness:

A written statement from a homeless service provider, such as a shelter, soup kitchen, or outreach program.
A letter from a case manager or social worker confirming the individual’s current homeless status.
Identification such as a driver’s license or state ID that lists a homeless shelter or a temporary mailing address as the individual’s current address.
Documentation of participation in homeless services, such as receipts for meals or other services received at a homeless shelter or other programs.
A signed and dated statement from the individual indicating their current homeless status and the length of time they have been homeless.

It’s important to keep in mind that the specific forms of proof required may vary depending on the program and the administering agency, so it’s best to check with the specific program for their specific requirements.

It’s also important to keep in mind that some programs may have additional requirements or documentation that they require in order to determine eligibility for services. For example, some programs may require proof of income, disability status, or other factors that may impact an individual’s eligibility for assistance.

Additionally, some programs may require individuals to provide additional documentation or participate in an assessment process to determine the level of need and the most appropriate services for the individual. This may include a mental health or substance abuse assessment or a health screening.

It’s important for individuals seeking homeless assistance to be proactive in gathering the necessary documentation and information to support their application. This may include maintaining records of participation in homeless services, keeping receipts or other documentation of expenses related to their homeless status, and working with a case manager or other service provider to gather the necessary documentation and information to support their application.

Overall, the process of applying for homeless assistance programs can be complex and challenging, but it is important for individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to seek out the assistance they need to achieve and maintain stable housing.

Important Websites to Get Support

Here are some websites that can provide information and resources for individuals experiencing homelessness in the USA:

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – hud.gov
The National Coalition for the Homeless – nationalhomeless.org
The National Alliance to End Homelessness – endhomelessness.org
The Homeless Assistance Resource Center – hudexchange.info
The United States Interagency Council on Homelessness – usich.gov
The National Network for Youth – nn4y.org
The National Center on Family Homelessness – familyhomelessness.org
The Emergency Food and Shelter Program – emergencyfoodandshelter.org
The National Alliance to End Homelessness – endhomelessness.org
Covenant House – covenanthouse.org
PATH (People Assisting The Homeless) – epath.org
The National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty – nlchp.org
The National Health Care for the Homeless Council – nhchc.org
The National Center on Housing and Child Welfare – nchcw.org
The National Low Income Housing Coalition – nlihc.org
The Corporation for Supportive Housing – csh.org
The Salvation Army – salvationarmyusa.org
Feeding America – feedingamerica.org
Goodwill Industries International – goodwill.org
Catholic Charities USA – catholiccharitiesusa.org
Volunteers of America – voa.org
LIFT – liftcommunities.org
The National Health Care for the Homeless Council – nhchc.org
HomeBase – homebaseccc.org
The Homeless Youth Alliance – hyasf.org
The National Center on Homeless Education – nche.ed.gov
Stand Up for Kids – standupforkids.org
My Friends’ Place – myfriendsplace.org
The Los Angeles Mission – lamission.org
The Bowery Mission – bowery.org
The Jesse Tree – jessetree.org
The San Francisco Coalition on Homelessness – sfhomeless.org
Habitat for Humanity – habitat.org
The Emergency Food and Shelter Program – efsp.unitedway.org
The National Alliance to End Veterans Homelessness – endveteranhomelessness.org
The National Network for Youth – nn4y.org
The National Resource and Technical Assistance Center for Youth Programs – nrcyp.samhsa.gov
HOPE for Youth – hopeforyouthny.org
The Interfaith Hospitality Network – ihn.org
The YMCA – ymca.net

These websites provide information about services, resources, and programs for individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, as well as advocacy initiatives aimed at ending homelessness in the USA. It’s important to explore these resources and find the help that is right for you.

What Government Should Do to Reduce Homelessness in the USA

There is no one solution to reducing homelessness in the United States, but here are a few steps that could be taken to address the issue:

Increase Affordable Housing: One of the main causes of homelessness is the lack of affordable housing. The government should invest in creating more affordable housing units, as well as providing incentives for private developers to build more low-income housing.
Address Mental Health and Substance Abuse Issues: Many individuals who are homeless struggle with mental health and substance abuse issues. The government should provide increased funding for mental health and substance abuse treatment programs, as well as support for housing for individuals with these challenges.
Improve Employment Assistance Programs: Many individuals become homeless because they are unable to find work or earn a living wage. The government should invest in job training programs, as well as increase the minimum wage, to help ensure that individuals can afford housing and other basic needs.
Increase Collaboration and Coordination: The government should work closely with non-profit organizations, faith-based groups, and other stakeholders to develop a coordinated response to homelessness. This can help ensure that resources are used effectively and that individuals receive the support they need to get back on their feet.
Implement Housing First Strategies: Housing First is an approach that prioritizes providing individuals with a stable, permanent place to live before addressing other issues such as mental health and substance abuse. This approach has been shown to be effective in reducing homelessness, and the government should encourage the adoption of Housing First strategies by organizations working to address homelessness.

Increase Rental Assistance: Renters often face challenges in affording housing, especially in areas with high housing costs. The government could increase rental assistance programs, such as the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, to help more individuals access affordable housing.
Support Permanent Supportive Housing: Permanent supportive housing provides individuals with a stable, long-term place to live and access to support services. The government should increase funding for permanent supportive housing programs, which have been shown to be effective in reducing homelessness and improving outcomes for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Implement Rapid Re-Housing Programs: Rapid re-housing programs help individuals who are experiencing homelessness quickly transition into permanent housing. The government should support the expansion of these programs and work with organizations to increase the number of individuals who benefit from rapid re-housing.
Strengthen Eviction Prevention Programs: Eviction is a leading cause of homelessness, and the government should increase funding for eviction prevention programs. These programs can provide individuals with legal representation, financial assistance, and other resources to help them stay in their homes.
Address Income Inequality: Income inequality is a major contributor to homelessness, and the government should take steps to address this issue. This could include increasing the minimum wage, expanding tax credits for low-income families, and strengthening programs that help individuals with disabilities and older adults maintain their independence.

Improve Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment: Mental health and substance abuse issues are often significant factors in homelessness. The government should increase funding for treatment and support services, including inpatient and outpatient services, to help individuals access the care they need.
Increase Job Opportunities: Unemployment is a significant cause of homelessness, and the government should work with businesses and organizations to create more job opportunities. This could include investment in job training and education programs, as well as incentives for businesses to hire individuals who are experiencing homelessness.
Expand Community-Based Services: Community-based services, such as meal programs, medical care, and job training, can provide critical support for individuals experiencing homelessness. The government should increase funding for these services and work with organizations to ensure that they are accessible to all individuals who need them.
Improve Data Collection and Analysis: Improving the collection and analysis of data related to homelessness can help the government and organizations better understand the causes and effects of homelessness, and develop effective solutions. The government should invest in data collection and analysis programs to support this work.
Promote Collaboration and Coordination: Homelessness is a complex issue that requires collaboration and coordination among government agencies, service providers, and other organizations. The government should work with these partners to develop and implement solutions that are effective and efficient, and to ensure that all individuals who need help receive it.

These are just a few additional suggestions for reducing homelessness in the United States. By working together and taking a comprehensive approach, the government and other organizations can help ensure that all individuals have access to safe, stable housing.