how do you think most homeless people became that way?

Answer 1

De-institutionalization, the majority of the homeless are mentally, addicts and veterans. Many of the mentally ill patients that were in institutions in the 50's, 60's,&70's were reliased and ment to be cared for, but funding never came through so they just got forgotten and desserted. Then there are addict's those who chose to live on the street and continue their addiction(alchoal, herroin, coke, etc..) than get help and shelter. Then there are vets mainly from veitnam, this country teated the solderis coming home from the war horribly, nothing like today, there was no be aginst the war support the troops then. These are the people, according to advocets for the homeless, that make up most of the homeless population. There are others and you'll notice most are middle aged men because we have few social services for them in this country.

Answer 2

I wonder if it is sometimes to do with pride. They feel ashamed to ask for help from relatives once they have been caught into trouble -- and probably don't want to hear the 'I told you so.' phrase. That is such a shame really as one's home is where support should be given. I agree about people with specific metal illnesses too, some may have wondered off and forgot where they belong. Those on drugs need the most help as they are not in their right minds and can't get out of the state within which they get caught. All drug traffickers should be considered a security problem to any society.

Answer 3

Having worked with the homeless I can tell you that the path to homelessness is a complicated one. It is true for some that mental illness is and issue, substance abuse is an issue, But I think for most it is just a terrible series of unfortunate events. Consider if you will that 36% of the homeless population is families with children. Men and women, husbands and wives whose only crime was trying to do their best for their family and live didn't return their efforts.

The problem of homelessness isn't hopeless. For example, my husband not long before we met was homeless and and addict. He is now 10 years clean and sober. He is an outstanding husband and father. I love him with all my heart and I'm very proud of him.

Answer 4

I wish I knew ten years ago. May have saved the life of someone I loved. Anyone who thinks homeless people are there by personal choice, or laziness, needs to spend a year living on the streets while stupid rich men enjoy lavish tax breaks and tax-payer sponsored lunches in posh restaurants. And anyone who thinks politicians and corporate leaders never touch drugs, alcohol, whores, or anything illicit is living in a fairy tale.

Answer 5

Some made choices to be that way....in some states, over crowding in the state mental institutions led the states to turn many loose. In Texas, they were often turned loose in a city away from the institution and since many either had no family or the family didn't want them....they became part of the homeless population...

Let's not forget that some are former criminals who are hiding from the man...or just cannot reintegrate into society but also do not want to return to a life of crime either...

There are a whole host of reasons....

Answer 6

Mental illness, drugs, alcohol are the prime ones. Losing their homes because of economic disasters is another but less common one (no matter what they say on TV).

At one time most of the mentally ill were kept in state institutions that gave them medicines to keep them stable. Then someone came up with the idea that was a violation of their civil rights and dumped them all out onto the streets. The states loved that idea because it cut their expenses. The unintended consequence was mentally-ill persons roaming the streets and not taking their medication.

Answer 7

I've come close a couple of times. Its very hard raising a family and living pay check to pay check. you can have a good job, home, car, everything you've ever wanted one day and the next lose your job and the rest is down hill from there. I sure some of the homeless have felt this. Others I'm sure just fell hard on life or into drugs, over spend what they had or just didn't have the ability to get a good job to begin with.

Answer 8

A bad support system. Burning bridges and turning away from help. I feel even if I was a drug addict, in debt, had legal trouble etc there would always be people in my life to lend a couch or computer and knew I needed just a little guidance. But then when you never had a chance from the start, it would be hard. It's a complicated multi-faceted problem.

Answer 9

The major reasons and causes for homelessness as documented by many reports and studies include:[16][17]

Lack of affordable housing
Low paying jobs
Substance abuse and lack of needed services
Mental illness and lack of needed services
Domestic violence
Unemployment
Irresponsible life style
Poverty
Prison release and re-entry into society
Change and cuts in public assistance
Natural Disaster

Answer 10

I have asked some and many say it's by choice , others say its because of someone else while others are so far out there they don't know they are homeless.
I know one that has a regular job for years but still lives in a barn or sheltor. Another older woman lives on the street ,she has a regular retirement check coming in (retired collage profesor) and a nice home that she sees once or twice a month.