What Causes Homelessness?
Homelessness and poverty affect all of us. With the increase in the number of homeless and individuals living below the poverty line in Washington, DC, as well as across our nation, the impact of homelessness cannot be underestimated.
On any given day in the Washington metropolitan area, more than 12,000 people are homeless. That total includes people who are living on the streets, staying in shelters, or living in transitional housing. Almost a third of the homeless adults are employed. About 40 percent are in families, and a third are kids (Fannie Mae's "Help the Homeless Walkathon 2006 " Booklet).
According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, two trends are largely responsible for the rise in homelessness: a growing shortage of affordable housing and an increase in poverty. The issues of homelessness and poverty are correlated, and we cannot fully understand the depth and complexity of homelessness without an understanding of poverty and inequality in our society.
Homelessness is a multi-dimensional issue that is compounded by many factors such as limited employment, educational, and technical opportunities; substance abuse; mental illness; domestic violence; rising cost of living; and, insufficient public needs-based benefits.
Despite all the complexities of homelessness, Charlie’s Place strives to provide compassionate and caring services to people in need through our breakfast program.