Cause of Homelessness
2 possible causes of homelessness
lack of affordable housing
inadequate wages
job loss
housing instability
health issues
mental illness
addiction
domestic violence
family conflict
weak safety nets
You cannot be homeless if you have a job.
False
long-term or repeated homelessness, often tied to a disability (mental illness, substance use disorder, or physical condition)
what is chronic homelessness
Myth or Fact: People experiencing homelessness don't work.
Myth
A major contributor to homelessness for women and children
what is domestic violence or family conflict
Jobs always pay enough money to pay rent.
False.
People living in places not meant for habitation: tents, sidewalks, parks, cars, abandoned buildings.
what is unsheltered / rough sleeping
Myth or Fact: Homelessness only happens to people with addiction problems.
Myth
10-15% of people cite this as cause for homelessness
what is eviction from home
Mental health issues make it harder to keep housing.
True
People who experience short bursts of homelessness repeatedly.
what is episodic homelessness
Myth or Fact: About 40-50% of people who are homeless have some form of employment.
Fact
25-30% of people cite this as a reason for homelessness
what is losing a job
People who experience short bursts of homelessness repeatedly are experiencing episodic homelessness
True
Includes “couch surfing,” living temporarily with family or friends, or staying in cars.
what is hidden homelessness
Myth or Fact: Families with children make up 30% percentage of the homeless population
Fact
the biggest cited cause nationally of homelessness
what is lack of affordable housing
Hidden Homelessness is the most common type of homelessness in the U.S.
False (correct answer: Transitional Homelessness)
People lose housing due to a specific crisis such as a break-up.
what is transitional homelessness
Myth or Fact: There are approximately 2,000 homeless in Louisville, KY on any given day.
Fact