Homelessness is a complex issue that has been researched and discussed for years, yet it
continues to affect millions of people. Despite efforts from both the government and private
organizations to end homelessness, the numbers haven't decreased as much as we hope. So

why is this still happening?

At the heart of the problem are two main issues:
1. Economic disparities like income inequality, housing shortages, lack of education,
limited access to healthcare, and unemployment.
2. Systemic inequalities such as discrimination, racism, and historical injustices that have
shaped the policies and programs that affect the homeless.

Economic Disparities
Income Inequality

The gap between the rich and the poor has been growing for years, and it’s a major factor in
homelessness. People who are homeless often don’t have stable jobs or enough income to
support themselves, so they rely on government assistance programs like SNAP, TANF,
Medicaid, and SSI. With wages stagnant for many and jobs hard to come by, it’s no wonder that
poverty and homelessness continue to rise.

The Housing Crisis

One of the biggest problems leading to homelessness is the lack of affordable housing. In many
cities, there just aren’t enough low-cost housing options available. Shelters can provide
temporary relief, but for long-term stability, people need access to affordable homes, subsidies,
or housing vouchers—resources that are in short supply.

Education Barriers

For adults and youth who are homeless, education is a constant struggle. High dropout rates,
absenteeism, and a lack of access to higher education make it harder to escape the cycle of
poverty. Without an education or job training, opportunities for better-paying jobs are limited,
which only deepens the crisis.

Health Struggles

Homelessness puts people at serious risk for a range of health problems, from infectious
diseases to chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Mental health issues and  substance abuse are also common. Without regular access to healthcare, these problems
remain untreated, making it even harder for someone to get back on their feet.

Employment Issues

Finding and keeping a job is another major hurdle. Homeless people often face barriers like lack
of transportation or childcare, and many employers are reluctant to hire someone with a history
of homelessness. Add in discrimination based on race, gender, or criminal records, and it
becomes even harder to break free from the cycle of homelessness.
Systemic Inequalities

Historical Injustices and Discrimination

For many minority groups, particularly African Americans and Indigenous people, homelessness
is tied to centuries of discrimination and exclusion. These groups have faced systemic racism,
limiting their access to education, housing, and economic opportunities. This discrimination is
deeply embedded in our policies and programs, making it harder for these communities to
escape poverty and homelessness.

Changes in the Workforce

The way work has evolved in America has also played a role in homelessness. Over the
centuries, the shift from an agrarian economy to industrial and then post-industrial society has
created new classes of workers who are often left behind. While some groups have enjoyed
upward mobility, many lower-income workers, particularly people of color, remain stuck in low-
wage jobs with few benefits. The need for agricultural and service workers still exists, but these
jobs don't pay enough to support a decent life.

Regional Disparities

Where you live can have a big impact on homelessness. Some states and cities are better
equipped to provide support for the homeless, while others are falling short. States like
California, New York, and Hawaii are leading the way in offering support and resources. On the
other hand, states like Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana often lack the funding and policies
needed to effectively address homelessness. These disparities are often linked to historical and
economic factors that perpetuate poverty in certain regions.

Federal, State, and Local Policies

Governments have created programs aimed at reducing homelessness, but they haven’t fully
solved the problem. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, for example, provides
funding for homeless education and support services, but it’s not enough to address the root
causes of poverty and inequality.

There are also federal programs like Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) and Continuum of
Care (CoC) that help fund housing and shelter programs, but they are often underfunded and
difficult to access. Safety net programs like SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid provide essential help,
but they don't address the deeper economic disparities that keep people in poverty.

The Impact of Recent Policy Changes

Recent changes in federal policies, such as budget cuts and the rollback of affirmative action,
have only made the situation worse. These cuts affect everything from education to healthcare
to social services, making it harder for people who are homeless to get the help they need.
For example, the recent Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action has reduced
opportunities for minorities to attend college and secure better jobs. This, in turn, affects their
ability to escape poverty and homelessness. And with cuts to programs that support vulnerable
populations, it’s clear that we’re moving further away from solving the problem.
At the end of the day, the root causes of homelessness—economic disparity and systemic
inequality—need to be addressed if we’re ever going to see real change. While programs and
policies exist to help, they’re not enough if we don’t focus on the underlying issues like income
inequality, affordable housing shortages, and racial discrimination. Without deeper structural
reforms and more targeted funding, homelessness will remain a persistent crisis.