If homelessness is to end in America, more affordable housing must be made available to poor and low income people. Twenty years ago, there were twice as many affordable housing units available as there were low income households. In other words, not everyone can afford a place to live. Until we change this by making sure there is enough affordable housing, homelessness will continue to exist. A second aspect of solving homelessness is making sure that people's incomes are adequate to support them.
Work is the chief source of income for homeless people, followed by public benefits.
Unfortunately, increases in work wages and public benefits have not kept pace with the increase in living expenses over the last several decades. As a result, poor people have become less and less able to afford housing. If homelessness is to end, their incomes must be increased through employment training, job development, and expanded public benefits. Even if there were enough affordable housing and all homeless people had sufficient incomes, many homeless people would still need help to overcome the personal challenges which interfere with their lives. Others need support to replace the network of family and friends that many of us take for granted.