FAQ

Why does a person become homeless?

People become homeless for a variety of reasons:

  • Poverty
  • Lack of affordable housing
  • Physical/mental illness or disability
  • Substance abuse
  • Job loss or decline in income
  • Domestic violence and abuse
  • Unemployment
  • Prison release
  • Downturn in the economy
  • Changes and cuts in public assistance programs
  • Family deterioration/abandonment
  • Years of institutional living (mental health, drug treatment, prison, foster care, etc.)

Childhood Roots
For many, the roots of homelessness begin in childhood. Some have grown up never seeing someone get up and go to work every day. The only way they ever saw money come into the house was through a check from the government or through some kind of illegal activity. Many become addicted before they can even drive a car. They may have very limited skills, education, family support and understanding of what it means to be independent.

Successful Lives Derailed
There are others who have lived very successful lives-individuals with graduate degrees, impressive careers, families, and property. Somewhere along the line, their lives have been derailed by some unexpected or traumatic loss, discouragement, or hardship. They are overwhelmed by a sense of failure, guilt, or grief. Many begin to depend on alcohol and drugs to numb the pain, which can easily lead to addiction. Eventually, they become so full of shame, they would rather hide on the streets than reach out for help.

Vulnerable Women and Children
The saddest are the women and children. The numbers of women and children turning to us for help have increased over the past five years. Lack of low-income housing options coupled with disintegrating family relationships has traumatic effects. The average woman suffers a dramatic drop in income when a relationship ends, with many fathers failing to pay child support.