Homelessness Does Not Occur in a Vacuum
Homelessness often results from unexpected and profoundly disruptive life-changing trouble, such as the loss of a job or suffering an accident, rendering one disabled and unable to find work or afford to pay one’s mounting medical bills. Faced with eviction or foreclosure, filing for bankruptcy appears to be their only option.
But the destructive cycle of trouble does not stop there.
Financial Hardship Can Be Paralyzing
Unable to manage the unremitting pressure of escalating stress, anxiety, and depression, it’s normal to try to numb their physical and emotional pain. Some do so with prescription drugs and alcohol.
Once addicted and without supportive intervention from friends or family, they can feel paralyzed, believing there is no way out, and spiral into a state of homelessness.
Seeking Help
Seeking help when facing homelessness and hunger can feel overwhelming. Know there are public and private resources ready to help, such as emergency, day, and transitional shelters, as well as food banks and no-cost medical services for individuals and families, including addiction and recovery services.
Homelessness Hits Record Level in 2024
According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), more than 770,000 people went homeless in 2024. This represented an 18% increase from 2023 and was the highest increase since HUD began collecting homeless data.
Our articles also explore the causes and consequences of homelessness, what it feels like to be homeless, and the types of shelters and food banks available to people from both the public and private sectors.
Homeless shelters keep people off the streets. Many provide hot meals, showers, a place to sleep, do laundry, and access to a phone and the internet.
Learn More About Public Resources And Assistance Programs
- Local shelters
- Home vouchers (Section 8 housing)
- Cash assistance
- Access to local food banks
- Applying for food stamps
Homeless Resources in Your State:
| AL | HI | MA | NM | SD |
