Homelessness is a complex issue with many causes. Some of the most common causes of homelessness include:

• Lack of affordable housing: Many people are unable to pay for necessities such as housing, food, childcare, healthcare, and education, and being poor can mean a person is one illness, one accident, or one paycheck away from living on the streets.

• Unemployment: Job loss is a common reason people become homeless, and earnings from employment and benefits have not kept pace with the cost of housing for people with limited incomes.

• Poverty: Poverty and homelessness are often linked, and low-income households often do not earn enough to pay for food, clothing, transportation, and a place they can call home.

• Mental illness and substance abuse: Mental illness and substance abuse can contribute to homelessness, and many people experiencing homelessness have mental health or substance abuse issues.

• Domestic violence: Many survivors of domestic violence become homeless when leaving an abusive relationship.

• Racial disparities: Most minority groups in the United States experience homelessness at higher rates than Whites, and therefore make up a disproportionate share of the homeless population.

• Health problems: Health problems can cause a person’s homelessness as well as be exacerbated by the experience, and housing is key to addressing the health needs of people experiencing homelessness.

• Incarceration: Incarceration can lead to homelessness, and housing restrictions due to probation or parole can also contribute to homelessness.

It is important to note that homelessness is a multifaceted issue, and there is no single cause. Rather, it is often the result of a combination of factors, including economic instability, lack of affordable housing, and personal circumstances such as job loss, illness, or domestic violence.