Last year, the United States reported the first increase in homelessness in seven years. More than 550,000 people were estimated to be homeless on a single night, including more than 40,000 veterans and over 40,000 young people.
Yet, the numbers don’t capture millions of additional Americans who may be just a couple of missed paychecks away from being on the street. In fact, 40 percent of Americans are unable to cover a $400 unexpected emergency expense. These individuals – and their housing situations – are vulnerable to job loss, illness, or other unanticipated life changes.
A family’s overall health is directly tied to the stability and quality of their housing, among other factors. Overcrowded, defective, or dilapidated housing, for example, can create a host of new acute or chronic health problems. Losing your home entirely worsens these issues. People who live in homeless shelters are twice as likely to have a disability, which also means fewer employment options. A lack of nutrition for homeless families also puts later life outcomes at risk.
Ending homelessness in America requires a multi-prong approach of meeting immediate health, food, and safety needs, while equipping people with job training, life skills, and permanent housing resources as they gain financial stability. Job and life skills training help people secure better employment opportunities for financial stability.
Beyond work support, access to health care is often needed to treat chronic illnesses, stabilize mental health disorders, and treat substance abuse issues. Connecting families to child care arrangements can help parents return to work and get back on their feet. Additionally, legal services for survivors of domestic violence can start the process of piecing lives back together.
Fortunately, local municipalities and non-profits have taken note. These organizations are tackling the root causes of homelessness with innovative solutions that focus on making local housing services a one-stop shop for other resources, like job and life skills training or mental health counselling. New York City, for example, uses technological innovations and data analytics to offer services tailored to each person’s needs. In Long Beach, California, the 21 percent decrease in the homeless population has been attributed to a coordinated approach among government agencies and local organizations that receive public funds. Places like Salt Lake City, Utah, which deliver a range of services after housing has been established, have seen a 91 percent decrease of chronically homeless people, highlighting the effectiveness of this approach. San Antonio, Texas provides parallel services through an easy-access safe sleeping program that offers basic needs and shelter alongside a center that offers services to address employment, education, health, and legal needs.
As we continue to find ways to decrease the number of homeless Americans, we must ensure organizations have the resources and data they need. Well-equipped groups can easily identify homeless families and individuals, quickly provide temporary housing, and get them connected to the services that will help people get back on their feet.
