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The Cause Of Homelessness In America

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If one saw a homeless person living on the side of the street, one may think he has an substance abuse disorder or mental illness that lead them down this path. Although substance abuse and mental health can lead to homelessness, there are many other factors that contribute to this terrible trend. A homeless person could experience personal trauma, such as an accident or loss of a loved one, and they may be unable to provide for themselves. Experts claim that lack of affordable housing, low income/poverty, and domestic violence are also a few contributors that lead to homelessness in America. Homelessness in a major concern in our country. This issue is important because the rate is heavily increasing as the months go on. Especially in states such as New York and California, that house hundreds of thousands of people. These two states also …show more content…

Several decades ago, housing was affordable; now it’s impossible for even the middle class to buy a decent home. Housing in California is very expensive, and this is one reason why California suffers the highest rate of homelessness in the country.In an online article written by the Mercury News they express that the median income in California is much higher than the nation’s average, however, it does not measure up the steadily increasing rate of rent.(2017) Lack of affordable housing has lead to high rent, overcrowding, and substandard housing. This can force many people to become homeless. Besides the lack of affordable housing that California is experiencing, there are also not enough homes for the state’s population. An online article written by the SacBee, explains that the population in California is increasing while housing construction is decreasing, due to funds and inexperienced construction workers(Aug 2017.) If California is unable to provide housing for it’s residents, this could lead people on the streets, having no where else to

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