There are two main causes of homelessness and poverty. The first is structural factors and the second is systemic failures. Both are interrelated. Women are disproportionately affected by both of these factors. Both are related to lack of affordable housing. This article will discuss both. In addition to discussing the causes of homelessness and poverty, it will discuss the impact of poverty on women. It will also explore possible solutions. Ultimately, it will highlight the need to fight against these two social problems.
Structural factors
There are many structural factors that influence poverty and homelessness, but a single factor, such as low income, is not enough to prevent the problem. People should consider these factors when identifying causes and solutions to their problems. In the United States, there are several factors that can increase the chances of being homeless. The first is low income. The second is lack of affordable housing for low-income families. These factors can also lead to homelessness.
Systemic failures
There are a variety of factors that contribute to child, family and youth homelessness. These include systemic racism and geographic disparities. However, there is no single cause of homelessness. Rather, homelessness results from a combination of factors. In order to combat homelessness, policies should be designed to make life easier for everyone. Here are some of the ways that we can do this. Listed below are some of the most common causes of homelessness.
Episodically homeless population
People experiencing episodic homelessness often experience disabling conditions, such as substance abuse or mental health problems. Their unsteady financial status leads them to leave their homes frequently. In addition, they may suffer from addiction or mental health problems. Depending on the cause, this type of homelessness can be permanent or short-term. Episodically homeless people are more vulnerable to developing chronic conditions than those who experience transitional homelessness.
Impact on women
In a survey of homeless women, one-third reported physical or emotional abuse. Most of these incidents happened before the women were homeless. Women also stressed that they wanted regular contact with their families, but needed long-term housing for this. This would enable them to build relationships with their children and have a place to go when they were feeling down. The survey also revealed that violence against women is common. Women who are homeless and are sleeping on the streets are vulnerable to sexual assault, domestic violence, and other types of abuse.
Impact on children
According to research, the Impact of poverty and homelessness on children and families is profound. Children of homeless parents often experience lower academic performance and frequent school changes. They are also at higher risk for obesity, miss out on vaccinations, and lack access to basic health care. Besides physical health issues, homeless children tend to suffer from mental illnesses. Studies show that preschool aged homeless children are twice as likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and severe aggression. Young homeless people are also twice as likely to have suicidal thoughts.
Impact on seniors
The impact of poverty and homelessness on older adults has been increasing in recent years. Many older Americans were negatively affected by the economic crisis of the 1980s, including stagnant wages, the disappearance of fixed pension plans, and increased housing costs. Similarly, the 2008 economic crisis affected older Americans and caused a spike in the number of homeless seniors. This crisis disproportionately affected people between the ages of 50 and 65, and many of these seniors were displaced because they lost their homes to foreclosure or lost their jobs during the recession.