The cause of homelessness

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Sometimes it’s good to show compassion for homeless people, and donate them some goods within your ability. But somehow we have to figure out the true reasons of them being homeless, which might be not only a reason to help them, but also a warning for us to avoid being homeless by preparing well for these potential “disasters”.

 

1. Addictions and substance abuse

 

            Drug addictions and substance abuse is always the most important factor resulting in homelessness. Statistics show that 24.6 million Americans aged 12 or older are current (past month) illicit drug users. Heavy drinking was reported by 6.3 percent of the population aged 12 or older, or 16.5 million people. And most of them have homes despite addiction.

 

2. Mental illness

            According to the official data, 9.8 million adults aged 18 or older in the United States have serious mental illness. Some of them are serious enough to destroy their mental defensive line, such as depression, OCD or PSTD. Some people are too vulnerable to shoulder all these mental diseases and finally end up as homeless people under the huge pressure.

 

3. Broken relationships

            As we know, human beings are one of the most gregarious groups and a broken relationship could give them a huge strike which will make them hard to recover from. The facts are that 29% of first marriages among women aged 15–44 were disrupted (ended in separation, divorce or annulment) within 10 years. 3.6% of married couples are divorced each year.

Many more people experienced a relationship breakup between adults sharing financial responsibility for a home.

 

4.Unemployment

            The sad truths are that 4.8% of the US labor force is unemployed. Many more are underemployed and discouraged and not seeking employment. Even with a job, many cannot afford to rent a place of their own. In the United States, unemployment rate is always one of the biggest concerns when it comes to national welfare system. Every year, American government will invest a whole lot of effort in alleviating the serious societal situation brought by the soaring unemployment rate. In Gainesville, OneforHope groups have seen numerous homeless people wandering around the center of the city, struggling to find a shelter or food, even with hope that they could rise again and find a good job to feed themselves. Sometimes things always go against their will. But we as someone who are capable of helping out these homeless, could do everything we can to make the chance greater for them to overcome the problems and someday achieve their dreams.

 

5. All about money

            No matter what happens, money is always the last thing you turn to if you are in a real trouble. And that’s exactly what homeless people are short of. According to official statistics, the average American family savings account balance is $4,220

24.3% of American families have no savings at all. Only 39% are certain they could come up with. $2,000 if an unexpected need arose next month. 13% have no health insurance. 7.7% do not have a bank account of any kind.  It’s not hard for us to discover the importance of managing your balance to make ends meet. So, maybe it's better to think twice before you want to buy something on your wish list.

 

Information edited from http://www.bridgebread.org/Cause