General Questions About Homelessness:
Why are shelters not an adequate system for ending homelessness?
Programs that care for homeless people do a good job. To end homelessness these programs need to do even better by focusing more of their resources on moving every homeless person back into housing as quickly as possible.
80% of all homeless families and single adults enter and exit homelessness relatively quickly, never to return. A “housing first” approach for these families could allow them to get back into housing, provided they are linked with appropriate services, reducing their shelter stays to an absolute minimum. This population benefits most from assistance in finding and securing housing, linkages with mainstream programs, and follow-up visits to avert crises that threaten housing stability.
The other 20% of people in the homeless assistance system have more severe service and housing needs. Therefore, they require a different approach. These families and singles use the homeless system on a repeat basis, and utilize nearly 70% of the system’s resources. Most of this group requires some type of permanent supportive housing, and are not adequately aided by the homeless assistance system, despite all of the resources they consume. In ten years we can create enough supportive housing to end homelessness for this group.
Source: National Alliance to End Homelessness
Other questions & answers related to this topic:
What is the definition of homeless?
How do people become homeless?
How many people are homeless in the U.S.?
How can I get assistance if I am homeless or about to become homeless?
What are the causes of homelessness among youth?
How many families with children in the U.S. are homeless, and what are some approaches for serving these families?
What are the typical characteristcs of homelessness for children and families?
Glossary of Search Terms in Homelessness and Chronic Homelessness
Where can I find information on best practices in preventing homelessness among ex-offenders?