Forums → WEPR → Why are people homeless?

They don't have enough money simply put. Why is this the case? You answered it yourself. Joblessness, kicked out of the family, low education levels making one less attractive for job prospects, the failure of the government to provide adequate aid, or they simply have no one to turn to.

There's no such thing as homelessness having a single source of causation other than the common factor of not having enough cash at hand to procure a home (barring those rare few who choose to live out like that).

Thanks for your brilliant response.

Just out of interest though, how would you rank the factors you listed in terms of general society as a whole (particularly in places such as America)?
Would you rate substance abuse a larger contributing factor (in terms of the number of homeless people) than having low education level? Or do the two go hand in hand?

One more thing: how significant of a role would you say cultural background plays in homelessness? Thing such as race, parent's level of income, etc.

Homelessness is caused by structural factors (the design of urban housing markets, income inequality, social policies, mental health care policies, labor market structures etc.) and individual vulnerabilities (drug addictions, illnesses, etc.). Simply put homelessness is the result of the convergence of many factors, which make a person less able to compete for scarce social and economic resources.

Anyway, it's a vicious cycle, homelessness leads to even more inadequate hygiene and poor health, which in turn leads to chronic unemployment and the cycle goes on and on.

Just out of interest though, how would you rank the factors you listed in terms of general society as a whole (particularly in places such as America)?
Would you rate substance abuse a larger contributing factor (in terms of the number of homeless people) than having low education level? Or do the two go hand in hand?

I do believe that substance abuse plays a part, but substance abuse always seems to be a symptom, rather than the root of the problem.

how significant of a role would you say cultural background plays in homelessness?

Thanks for the opportunity for discussion. Just a note: this discussion may go a little out of the explicit topic mention in the OP, but discussion is...well, discussion.

Homelessness is caused by structural factors (the design of urban housing markets, income inequality, social policies, mental health care policies, labor market structures etc.) and individual vulnerabilities (drug addictions, illnesses, etc.). Simply put homelessness is the result of the convergence of many factors, which make a person less able to compete for scarce social and economic resources.

Anyway, it's a vicious cycle, homelessness leads to even more inadequate hygiene and poor health, which in turn leads to chronic unemployment and the cycle goes on and on.

That's where research on your part comes in useful no? (Esp given the fact that Goumas and I aren't Americans).

I agree with you somewhat; however, I am somewhat confused when you attribute substance abuse to being a symptom rather than the core issue. Wouldn't say, drugs such as cocaine or heroine lead to exceptionally large out-of-pocket expenses which could potentially lead to financial ruin and indeed, homelessness?

Because they don't live in a residence.

Some research has shown that people with mental health issues are more vulnerable to homelessness (the Mental Health Commission of Canada estimates 25 to 50 per cent of homeless people live with a mental health disorder).

Sometimes it is just a matter of luck in which economy class are you born..
but still, I believe that it is not person's fault if he was born poor but it will be his fault if he will die doing nothing to improve his life...

Sometimes it is just a matter of luck in which economy class are you born..
but still, I believe that it is not person's fault if he was born poor but it will be his fault if he will die doing nothing to improve his life...

I don't like that mindset. Just because you died poor doesn't mean you didn't try. Just because you try doesn't mean you'll succeed.

Not being able to pay the rent anymore can happen fast if you were already on the limit before and something happens. There are situations where you just can't get out without a certain input from outside. You can't get a house if you don't have a job. You can't get a job if you don't have a house. Watcha gonna do?

I don't like that mindset. Just because you died poor doesn't mean you didn't try. Just because you try doesn't mean you'll succeed.

how much of the blame would you then attribute to homeless people (specifically adults) for creating their own situation? Hence, do we have an obligation to help them or no (and how much)?

Based on that info, couldn't the reverse also be true? (instead of just mental issues leading to homelessness, homelessness also leading to mental issues) Lacking economic stability leads to stress and stuff.

Not being able to pay the rent anymore can happen fast if you were already on the limit before and something happens. There are situations where you just can't get out without a certain input from outside

Homeless assistance can create positive externalities

Homelessness can be an extreme form of housing market malfunction.