The Rise of Unsheltered Housing Insecurity:  Addressing An Alarming Trend in the US - Homelessness has long been a pervasive issue in the United States. Despite efforts to combat it, there has been a steady increase in the number of unsheltered individuals and families over the years. In particular, the unsheltered housing insecure community has seen a staggering rise of 30% since 2007, with over 200,000 people now living without a stable home. In this blog post, we will explore the causes and consequences of this trend and potential solutions to address it.

One of the main drivers of unsheltered housing insecurity is the need for more affordable housing. As the cost of living continues to rise, many low-income families and individuals cannot afford to keep up with the high rent prices. This, in turn, leads to eviction and destabilization, ultimately resulting in homelessness. 

Moreover, the recession of 2008, along with natural disasters such as hurricanes and wildfires, have further exacerbated this issue, leaving many families without a roof over their heads.

Another contributing factor is the lack of adequate social safety nets. Many marginalized groups, such as veterans, those with mental health issues, and LGBTQ+ individuals, face significant barriers to accessing these resources, which leads to an increased risk of homelessness. For example, veterans who return from service often struggle to readjust to civilian life, and many fall through the cracks in the system, leaving them vulnerable to homelessness.

In addition, the criminalization of homelessness has only worsened the situation, as individual cities across the US have implemented laws restricting homeless individuals from sleeping or camping in public spaces. This often leads to harassment and displacement, making it even harder for those affected to find stable housing. The answer to homelessness cannot come from police enforcement but should come from supportive services such as affordable housing, healthcare, and job opportunities.

Finally, the COVID-19 pandemic has further intensified the issue of unsheltered housing insecurity. Individuals already struggling to make ends meet are now facing additional obstacles, including loss of employment and difficulty accessing vital resources. Moreover, social distancing guidelines have made providing services to those experiencing homelessness challenging, further exacerbating the issue.

The rise of unsheltered housing insecurity is deeply troubling, but there are potential solutions to address it. One step could be to increase funding for affordable housing and social safety nets such as meal and job training programs. Additionally, addressing the underlying causes of homelessness, such as mental illness and addiction, is crucial for long-term solutions. Finally, education and advocacy can go a long way in combatting the criminalization of  homelessness. With a comprehensive approach, we can work towards ensuring everyone has access to safe and stable housing.