The causes and conditions that lead to homelessness are varied and complex. Issues such as domestic violence, addiction, financial difficulties, eviction, disabilities and mental illnesses can contribute or cause an often sudden change in life situations that can leave adults, children, families or veterans homeless, food or medical care.
According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, 567,715 people were homeless in 2019. Since these are the most recent figures available nationwide and the COVID-19 pandemic had a dramatic impact on the world population in 2020, these numbers could potentially be very higher in 2020 and 2021. Homeless individuals already suffer from chronic medical conditions at a much higher rate than housed individuals, and the pandemic has put the most vulnerable members of an already vulnerable population at greater risk.
The issue of homelessness also has disproportionate effects on minority populations. LGBTQ youth have one of the highest homeless rates, with 40% of individuals accessing services identifying themselves as LGBTQ.
Much of the funding for state programs comes from federal grants provided by the United States Office of Housing and Urban Development. Although federal funds are accessed for services other than those providing shelter as their primary resource, many shelters for the homeless, food banks and free or low-cost medical clinics remain functional through a variety of funding and staffing streams, including use of volunteer workers, private donations and corporate partnerships. Medical services, in particular, receive little funding from federal sources.
While there are many phone numbers to call, from 211 local hotlines to national crisis centers, many homeless people face challenges in accessing resources, transitioning to programs – some of which have strict protocols to keep abstinence from alcohol and drugs – or participate in other treatment programs. Stacker has compiled a list of resources in each state that help shelter and serve local homeless populations using a variety of government, private, charitable, nonprofit and academic sources.
Click to find out how your state is helping to alleviate homelessness.
[Pictured: An aerial view of San Francisco’s first temporary sanctioned tent encampment for the homeless on May 18, 2020.]
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