Few researchers and funders have focused attention in this area. Recommendations Encourage the adoption of a national living wage to prevent working adults from experiencing homelessness. Support state and local living wage efforts. This action would still fall short of ensuring that many working individuals earn the resources necessary to support themselves and their families. More than 30 jurisdictions in states such as California, Maryland, Minnesota, Iowa, and Colorado have passed living wage ordinances.
Campaigns are active in most states.
Ensure adequate disability benefits for those unable to work. Individuals unable to work due to disabilities are continually vulnerable to poverty and homelessness. Poverty is most effectively addressed by ensuring universal access to comprehensive health care including addiction treatment, by increasing the availability of housing to persons with very low incomes, and by guaranteeing that disability payments are high enough to lift individuals and families from poverty. State programs for single adults with disabilities remain limited where they still exist. Current law allows the money to be used in creative ways.