Between the 2021–22 COVID-19 pandemic and 2023’s increases in the cost of living, the rate of homelessness in the United States has been steadily increasing every year.
In fact, nationwide, the number jumped by 12% in 2023, mostly due to inflation and the high cost of housing.
Most people hold the misconception that the biggest factors that contribute to homelessness are mental health issues or substance abuse. But the truth is much broader than that.
Common Myths
As a result of its depiction in the movies and television shows, many Americans have a false conception of what causes most homelessness in the United States. Here are a few myths that TORCH would like to debunk:
Mental illness. While we often see homeless characters depicted as harboring a serious mental illness, the truth is that 20% of homeless people have a mental illness that could prevent them from being able to attain suitable housing.
Most have a substance abuse problem. Similarly, we often think of the homeless population as having rampant drug and alcohol abuse issues. But studies have shown that the number of unhoused people who have a substance abuse issue is only 16%.
They made bad choices. Let’s be honest: human beings often make bad choices. But that rarely leads to losing one’s home. Most people who become unhoused have had a sudden, life-changing event occur in their lives. They may have had a serious illness or accident, lost their job or can no longer live on a fixed income.
They’re dangerous criminals. While it’s true that upon becoming homeless, a person may have more interactions with law enforcement, the truth is that most were not criminals prior to leading a life on the streets. And most homeless people are no more violent than the average population. The opposite is actually true. Many homeless people are more often the victims of violent crimes due to their circumstances.
They just need to work. A significant portion of homeless people have jobs. The problem is that either their work does not pay enough for them to afford rent or a mortgage. It’s also difficult to get a good job if you don’t have clean clothes, transportation or an address.
They’re not from here. Many Americans believe the homeless people who live in their streets have come in from other cities or states to “take advantage” of shelters. But homelessness expert Deborah K. Padgett, a professor at New York University, says that as many as 80% are residents of the city where they stay.
Poverty
So, what is the No. 1 cause of homelessness? The answer is quite simply poverty.
In the United States, the minimum wage has not seen a boost since George W. Bush was president when it went up from $6.55 an hour to $7.25 an hour in 2009.
This low minimum wage has resulted in stagnant wages for average workers. According to Human Rights Careers, the minimum wage has gone up 350% since 1970, but the cost of living has increased by 480%. These stagnant wages make it hard for lower-income workers to make ends meet.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. At TORCH, our rapid rehousing program works to get homeless adults and families off the streets as quickly as possible.
If you or someone you know in Anderson County is experiencing homelessness, give TORCH a call at (865) 318-4788 or contact us online. If you are already working with a governmental agency for assistance in obtaining food or healthcare, you can also let your caseworker know you are unhoused.