As a developed country, we take it for granted that our citizens have access to basic needs such as food, shelter, and medical care. However, there is a hidden crisis affecting 1.2 million people in our country – homelessness.

What is homelessness?

Homelessness is the state of not having a permanent residence or dwelling place. It can range from sleeping on the streets to staying in a temporary shelter or couch surfing with friends or family.

Homelessness is not just a physical state, but it also affects a person’s mental and emotional well-being.

The scope of homelessness in our country

According to the latest data from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, there were an estimated 567,715 people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January 2019. This number includes individuals, families, and youth.

However, this number only reflects those who are currently homeless, and it does not take into account those who are at risk of homelessness or those who have experienced homelessness in the past.

When you factor these individuals in, the number jumps up to a staggering 1.2 million people.

The causes of homelessness

Homelessness is a complex issue, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. However, there are several factors that contribute to homelessness, including:.

Lack of affordable housing
Poverty and low income
Mental illness and substance abuse disorders
Lack of access to healthcare
Domestic violence and trauma
Natural disasters and emergencies

In many cases, homelessness is not just the result of one of these factors but rather a combination of several of them.

The impact of homelessness

Homelessness affects not only the individuals experiencing it but also the communities around them. Homelessness can lead to:.

Poor physical and mental health
Inability to secure and maintain employment
Increased risk of substance abuse and addiction
Higher rates of interaction with the criminal justice system
Lack of access to education and job training programs

Additionally, homelessness puts a strain on public resources such as emergency medical services and law enforcement.

Solutions to homelessness

Ending homelessness is not an easy feat, but there are several evidence-based solutions that have been shown to be effective. These include:.

Increasing affordable housing options
Providing rental assistance and subsidies
Investing in mental health and substance abuse treatment programs
Making healthcare more accessible and affordable
Training and education programs to help individuals secure employment

It’s also important to note that homelessness is not just an issue for the government to tackle. Communities, businesses, and individuals can all play a role in ending homelessness.

This can include volunteering at a local shelter, donating to organizations that support those experiencing homelessness, or even hiring individuals who are currently homeless.

Conclusion

Homelessness is a hidden crisis affecting 1.2 million people in our country. It is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted solution, but we must not brush it under the rug and hope it goes away.

We must take action to address the root causes of homelessness and provide support to those who are currently experiencing it. With the right resources and commitment, we can end homelessness in our country.