Though it has been five years since the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States is still faced with the aftermath of the historical economic crisis that occurred during lockdown. In recent years, housing costs have experienced a record spike following these events.
Mental health, drug addiction and a general lack of resources for individuals of lower-incomes has left many at risk of experiencing homelessness. Affordable housing has experienced a rapid decline which only continues to contribute to this risk.
Affordable Housing Shortage
In a report shared by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, an alarming shortage of affordable homes has contributed to the rise in people experiencing homelessness.
A major contributor to this increase in unhoused individuals is the growing disparity between social classes. Low-income renters face a shortage of 7.1 million affordable homes, according to a study.
Federal funding for lower-income housing has also seen a decrease in recent years. In May of this year, the Trump administration presented a “skinny budget” proposal which would cut existing housing funds from $58.4 billion to $31.7 billion. If this budget is pursued, housing resources would be reduced from serving 4.5 million to 2.4 million households.
According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, ¾ of households with a low-income background do not receive federal housing assistance, a number that is predicted to increase if this proposal is pursued.
Lack of Resources
Another contributor to the rise in homelessness stems from a general lack of resources for individuals who face a higher risk of becoming unhoused.
Individuals such as veterans, immigrants and others who face mental health challenges, active addiction or were formerly incarcerated, are more likely to face economic challenges.
Veterans make up 5.3% of the nation’s homeless population where 73% of veterans who are experiencing homelessness are also struggling with substance abuse. As a result of lingering PTSD symptoms, the shortage of affordable housing and access to health care, veterans are often faced with homelessness.
Many individuals move to the United States to seek asylum but are faced with the challenges of inaccessible housing. The Department of Housing and Urban Development shares that a recent increase in homelessness relates to the influx of asylum seekers. In a study conducted across 13 communities reportedly affected by migration, they found that family homelessness increased by 39%.
Formerly incarcerated people are of another susceptibility to homelessness. These individuals are more than 10 times more likely to be homeless than the general population, according to the Prison Policy Initiative . In this same report it is stated that, “People who have been to prison just once experience homelessness at a rate nearly seven times higher than the general public.”
Though these groups may be more likely to become unhoused, this risk continues to grow as affordable housing and general resources continue to diminish.
Follow @VALLEYmag on Instagram for more.
Related
Trump’s Executive Orders: The Impact on Penn State
The Price of Protectionism
“Build Back Better” 101: Reasoning and Controversy
Enjoyed studying this, very good stuff, thankyou.
You actually make it seem really easy along with your presentation but I find this matter to be really one thing which I think I might never understand. It sort of feels too complicated and extremely huge for me. I am looking ahead on your next publish, I¦ll try to get the hold of it!
I like this post, enjoyed this one appreciate it for posting.
As a Newbie, I am permanently exploring online for articles that can be of assistance to me. Thank you
Just wish to say your article is as amazing. The clarity in your post is just spectacular and i could assume you are an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission let me to grab your feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please keep up the enjoyable work.
You are my inhalation, I own few web logs and occasionally run out from brand :). “To die for a religion is easier than to live it absolutely.” by Jorge Luis Borges.
Hello! I simply wish to give an enormous thumbs up for the great information you may have here on this post. I will be coming back to your weblog for more soon.
I was reading some of your posts on this website and I conceive this site is real instructive! Keep posting.
Thanks for the marvelous posting! I certainly enjoyed reading it, you could be a great author.I will make certain to bookmark your blog and definitely will come back in the foreseeable future. I want to encourage you to continue your great posts, have a nice afternoon!
Good info. Lucky me I reach on your website by accident, I bookmarked it.