The top reasons for homelessness are,

1. Lack of Affordable Housing

2. Insufficient Income

3. Domestic Violence

4. Mental Illness

5. Substance Abuse

Most people think homeless people became homeless because they had a drug or alcohol problem, in some cases this is true, but there are many others reasons a person or persons can become homeless.

Lack of Affordable Housing and Insufficient Income

Insufficient income and lack of affordable housing are the leading causes of homelessness. In 2017, 10.3 million renters, one in four, were classified as “extremely low income”. Only 5.8 million rental units were affordable for those same people. Consequently, the people who were unable to rent one of those units, became homeless.

Domestic Violence

Everyday, over 31,000 people are forced to leave their homes because of domestic violence. The people who are unable to stay with loved ones are forced to stay on the streets or shelters.

Mental Illness

25% of the homeless population suffers from a form of mental illness. People suffering from a mental illness may have trouble carrying out the essentials of everyday life and forming lasting relationships and friendships. They sometimes push the people that keep them from being homeless away without realizing it. As a result, people with mental illnesses are more likely to become homeless.

Substance Abuse

Substance abuse and addictive disorders often disrupt relationships and cause people to lose their jobs. This can cause them to lose their housing. However, in most most cases, substance abuse is a result of homelessness. People who are homeless often turn to substances to cope with their situations.