Why are people homeless?

Question

I hope this question doesn't sound insensitive; I care about these people and have donated my time and money to help them. There are so many places they can turn to for help in getting back on their feet. I don't understand why so many are homeless.

I know there are government, church, and charitable organizations that provide food and shelter. There are also place that help people get cleaned up, give them new clothes and help them find jobs and prepare for the interview. I did my Eagle Scout project for a place like that. There are also government programs to help the physically and mentally disabled.

I don't understand why so many people are homeless.

Answer 1

The major reasons and causes for homelessness as documented by many reports and studies include:

* Lack of affordable housing
* Substance abuse and lack of needed services
* Mental illness and lack of needed services
* Domestic violence
* Poverty, caused by many factors
* Prison release and re-entry into society
* Lack of affordable healthcare
* Natural Disaster

Other major causes

* Adjusting from forces to civilian life
* fleeing care
* asylum seekers

Answer 2

In the last three years, my group has been collating new pairs of socks for the homeless and needy families. Last year we collected 4,000 pairs.
There are many reasons why so many end up homeless.
1. Drugs/alcohol /crime 2. Bankruptcy 3. Mental illness
4. Emotional crash such as divorce, death, or illness.
5. No income 6.There's now an influx on Skid Row (American Vets) who have returned back from the Iraqian war. It's a sad situation. I have often wondered if our giving straps them to stay homeless. I have seen how young people who collect social security will have more kids for more benefits, and they have become dependent on the money. God knew better because In the Bible it says the poor will be with you always.

Answer 3

There are so many issues. One being mental health issues. Be it addiction or mental illness. Government programs for the mentally ill are basically throwing money at an issue. It doesn't solve anything.

Another reason is the pitiful condition of shelters. People are scared, they are dirty, there is no space etc... And some people aren't used to living inside. They choose to be homeless. Some people forget how to live inside (hygiene issues etc...) and they get kicked out. Same goes for housing

Answer 4

It's because we have some sick politicians that think it's ok to push these people in the streets instead of paying for there shelter. These are mentally ill people often times and they are uncapable of careing for themselves. They cut back on the programs that cared for them about 20 years ago and never have looked back. You can go watch them drop these people off at the missions down town. The have vans that bring them from the hospital and leave them there knowing the mission is over crowded and that they probably will freeze to death. I send money to the shelters regularly and i for one would have no problem paying taxes to help these folks. I'd rather see Oprah and Gates donate for our home town problems rather than looking overseas. They could help 1,000 who are in their own backyards.

Answer 5

Some people just can't be on their own, they need others to look after them. Imagine if they had their own home and not be able to pay for it or the utilities or the maintenance.
Perhaps they can't hold on to their jobs because of their personality, or because they are too sensitive to criticisms.
There are many reasons why they are not in any help programmes, could be because they are not eligible. I am glad you did a project on this. Keep going and I am sure you will learn more.

Answer 6

It all happens in a series. For example, a teen mom might have to drop out of high school for the baby, then she doesn't have the right education for a job, then she can't finish paying for a house, and she gets homeless, and usually loses the bab.

Answer 7

well alot of homeless people dont trust shelters because they bring there belonging with them and thugs beat them up and take there things from them.... i know its really difficult for them in new york they get beat up all the time some times people set them on fire just for laughs.... its ashame some are so scared of society they would rather freeze too death then go too shelters.... it happens alot its really hard for them dont judge them though...... i would never want to walk in there shoes its a very dangerous life.......

Answer 8

I will give you the "d's"

Downsizing of jobs-people experience job loss
Death-death of a spouse so again lost income
Disability-unable to work
Disease-people too ill to work
Disaster-loss of home, loss of jobs
Divorce-lost income from spouse sometimes no child support

Answer 9

They don't like paying rent, or any other thing - they see it as a waste.

I know some guy who fought in the Vietnam War that gets checks sent to his brothers house from the government.

He's really cheap - he went to live in Mexico for $20 a month in rent - but, he didn't like how it was that much, so he chose to live on the street. He doesn't like paying for things, he'd rather spend it leisurely. He tries to get away with living with other people, but they won't let him. He likes it on the streets, and I don't know why!

That's not the only reason why people like living on the streets, though - many, many more.

Answer 10

I often wonder too. Of course there are many reasons, but the homeless people I have encountered are just lazy. They are just so negative and accept the way things are and just don't try to do better.