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News LettersIssue - Winter - Spring 2011 -(PDF-CLICK HERE)Causes for HomelessnessA message from the DirectorAutomobile related – Broken down car, no insurance, traffic violations and subsequent tickets, etc. Decline in Public Assistance – Current benefits from the Department of Family and Children Services including “welfare” and food stamps combined are below the poverty level in every state in the union; in fact, the median total benefit for a family of three is approximately one-third of the poverty level. Thus, contrary to popular opinion, welfare does not provide relief from poverty. Divorce – Divorce often leaves one of the spouses homeless. Most often it’s the father, but sometimes it’s the mother and children or everyone involved. Domestic Violence – Battered women who live in poverty are often forced to choose between abusive relationships and homelessness. Drug and Alcohol related problems – Rates of alcohol and drug abuse are disproportionately high among the homeless population. Illness – For families and individuals struggling to pay the rent, a serious illness or disability can start a downward spiral into homelessness, beginning with a lost job, depletion of savings to pay for care, and eventual eviction. Job loss – No income to pay rent, utilities, transportation to work, food, clothing ... Lack of affordable housing – The lack of affordable housing has lead to high rent burdens (rents which absorb a high proportion of income), overcrowding, and substandard housing. Lack of child support – In families where child support is ordered but not paid, the decrease in income can lead to an inability to pay rent, utilities, or both. Low wages – Declining wages have put housing out of reach for many workers: in every state, more than the minimum wage is required to afford a one- or two-bedroom apartment at Fair Market Rent. Mental Illness – Approximately 20-25% of the single adult homeless population suffer from some form of severe and persistent mental illness. Natural Disaster / Fire – Situations where, due to chance a fire, tornado, flood or hurricane renders housing inhabitable. Physical Disabilities – Disabled individuals may be unable to work or find appropriate employment. For those receiving SSI, they often struggle to obtain and maintain stable housing. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – This disorder is common with veterans and those that have been in violent situations. It can make it difficult to have a stable life. Poverty – Being poor means being an illness, an accident, or a paycheck away from living on the streets. Roommates – When one 9or more) roommate fails to follow through promised rent contributions, the remaining roommate or lease holder can be driven into homelessness. Severe Depression – Can make it impossible for an individual to maintain a stable life. Tragedy – It is surprising how many people just quit functioning because their families died or were killed...sometimes recently...other times 15 years ago...other times 30 years ago.
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