Learn About Homelessness

Anyone can experience housing insecurity under the right circumstances. Unexpected changes in income, a lost loved one, health issue, or inability to afford basic necessities, and other events can quickly create housing instability that leads to homelessness.

According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the most common causes of homelessness are:

• Housing: A combination of rising costs and overall lack of housing availability can make housing unaffordable for many people. This creates housing instability and puts people at risk of homelessness.
• Income and Housing Affordability: Many households in our area often do not earn enough to pay for basic necessities such as food, clothing, transportation, and housing, despite being employed or having other forms of income.
• Health: Those with health conditions or disabilities often face higher medical costs, lost income opportunities, and discrimination, making it even harder to find or keep housing.
• Violence: Many survivors of domestic violence find themselves without housing when escaping abusive relationships. Additionally, people who are seeking housing may have difficulty finding a landlord to rent to them if there has been police activity at past residences due to domestic violence situations.
• Discrimination: Minoritized groups who are discriminated against are more likely to experience homelessness and make up a disproportionate share of the homeless population.