Homeless Families

Homelessness among families upsets nearly every part of the family’s life.  It disrupts children’s education and development.  It also affects much of the emotional and physical health of the family.  A family’s homelessness often causes the members to separate.  Families with children constitute 20% of the homeless. Of those who become homeless, 40% are families with children.  That makes them the fastest growing segment of the homeless population.

The main cause of these homeless families is the lack of affordable housing.  Right now there are 4.7 million more people that need affordable housing then there are affordable housing units (National Coalition for the Homeless).  That is the largest gap on record.  For many families without affordable housing, an accident or illness can force them into homelessness. 

Domestic violence also causes many families to become homelessness.  It is estimated that 25% to 35% of the homeless population among women with children are caused by domestic violence.  The decrease in welfare benefits is also to blame for the increase in family’s homelessness.

To end the homelessness among families there must be more affordable housing and affordable health care.  There must also be more childcare services at affordable prices.  Welfare reform is needed to ensure more job assistance.  It is imperative that an effort be made to help the homeless families of America.