Why are there so many homeless people in Georgia?

Question

I live in GA and my church helps to feed the homeless on Sunday nights. So many homeless people in this state. Some of them don't even care. How can anyone live like that?

Answer 1

There are so many reasons people are homeless. It is impossible to understand if you have never been in a position that can create the circumstances to become/remain homeless.

One of the primary factors behind homelessness is mental illness. There are few adequate resources for the chronically mentally ill. Those who get disability income or SSI have some chance, but often what they receive is not enough for an apt and other expenses. Also, many of these people cannot live without some supervision and help with finances, etc. So they end up on the streets.

Another primary factor of homelessness is addictions. Many people who are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol lack the internal resources to overcome. They feel helpless, hopeless, and cannot cope with life, so turn to the substance of choice. Again, it takes outside resources (money) and a lot of support to bring someone in these circumstances back into society.

There are also people who choose not to be a part of society, which includes homelessness, for a time, or for life, but these are fewer than you think. For many of these people it's a "phase", esp. teens and young people, and they eventually find their way back into mainstream society at least on some level.

And then there are those who have experienced a financial reversal, because of medical bills, gambling, loss of a job, loss of family, or other reasons, and end up with no where to live. These are the people most likely to benefit from agency and other support, to get a job, and get back on track. However, if someone is ill or disabled, and becomes homeless, they may not be able to work, so they end up again, with not enough income to afford housing, and SSI or other help isn't enough, or available wide enough (like housing assistance).

Answer 2

Some people may not have a choice to but to live like that. I think that some chronically homeless people migrate to Southern states because it's warmer there and therefore more survivable.