Click here to read my message on personal causes of homelessness. Deinstitutionalization of mentally ill persons In the 1950's, state mental hospitals housed more than 550,000 patients. Today that number is fewer than 150,000. The community-based mental health programs which were supposed to replace the large institutions have not been met with community support. Changing patterns in family structure Increasing numbers of single-parent families are more vulernable to economic setbacks.
Extended families are more mobile and scattered.
Cuts in federal support programs Federal support programs have not kept pace with inflation, while housing costs have increased disproportionately. Less stability in the job market Employers rely more on short-term, contract and temporary employees. People can no longer count on holding their jobs.