Homeless People are not an affordability problem:

Living in the Pacific Northwest, the visibility of the homelessness crisis is unavoidable. Traveling the I-5 corridor from Lynnwood to Bellingham, encampments have become a permanent fixture of our landscape. When I moved to Everett 15 years ago, the city was commissioning studies on the "root causes" of homelessness. Last year, our mayor announced yet another $300,000 study for the exact same purpose.

We don’t need more data to tell us what we see every day: untreated mental illness and drug addiction are the primary drivers of persistent homelessness. This isn’t a burden cities can carry alone; it is a national crisis that requires a national response. We must stop normalizing these conditions.

We need robust medical facilities to treat addiction and mental health, paired with safe, transitional spaces like tiny homes for those who need a path to recovery. However, it is vital that we don't simply create "ghettos" by pushing the most vulnerable into a single, isolated corner of the city.

To be successful, tiny house communities must be dispersed throughout our neighborhoods. Integration allows people in crisis to build the same community connections the rest of us rely on—finding mentors, job leads, and a sense of belonging. Shuffling people from city to city or hiding them in "unwanted" areas is not only inhumane, it is ineffective. We need to move past the research phase and into an era of integrated, medical, and community-based intervention.

A small urban shelter providing refuge for a homeless individual

The Many Faces of Homelessness

Homelessness is not a one-size-fits-all situation. People experiencing homelessness come from diverse backgrounds and face different challenges. Some may have lost their homes due to economic hardship, but others struggle with mental illness or addiction that makes maintaining stable housing difficult. There are also systemic barriers such as discrimination, lack of access to healthcare, and insufficient social safety nets.

Mental Health and Homelessness

Mental health issues are a major factor in homelessness. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), approximately 20-25% of people experiencing homelessness in the United States suffer from severe mental illness. Conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression can impair a person’s ability to work, manage finances, or maintain relationships, which are all critical for stable housing.

For example, consider the story of James, a man in his 40s who has struggled with untreated schizophrenia for years. Without access to consistent mental health care, James found it difficult to hold a job or keep an apartment. His experience highlights how untreated mental illness can lead to homelessness, even when affordable housing options exist.

Addiction and Its Role

Addiction is another significant contributor to homelessness. The National Coalition for the Homeless reports that about 38% of homeless individuals have alcohol dependency, and 26% have drug dependency. Addiction can lead to job loss, strained relationships, and eviction. It also complicates efforts to access and maintain housing, especially when treatment options are limited or unavailable.

Take the case of Maria, who became homeless after losing her job and struggling with opioid addiction. Without access to comprehensive addiction treatment and support, Maria found it nearly impossible to regain stable housing. Her story shows that addressing addiction is essential to preventing and ending homelessness.

Systemic Inequalities and Barriers

Systemic inequalities such as racial discrimination, poverty, and lack of access to education and healthcare also contribute to homelessness. For example, Black and Indigenous people are disproportionately represented among the homeless population in many countries. In the United States, Black individuals make up about 13% of the general population but represent nearly 40% of people experiencing homelessness.

These disparities reflect broader social and economic inequalities that limit opportunities for stable housing. Discrimination in housing markets, employment, and social services can trap people in cycles of poverty and homelessness.

Why Affordable Housing Alone Is Not Enough

Affordable housing is a necessary foundation for addressing homelessness, but it is not sufficient on its own. Without supportive services, many people will continue to struggle to maintain housing. For instance, someone with untreated mental illness or addiction may lose their housing even if it is affordable.

Programs that combine housing with supportive services, such as case management, mental health care, and addiction treatment, have shown better outcomes. The "Housing First" model, which prioritizes providing permanent housing without preconditions, has helped many people stabilize their lives and improve their health.

Broader Solutions to Address Homelessness

To reduce homelessness effectively, communities need to implement a range of solutions that address the root causes and provide ongoing support.

Integrated Support Services

Providing mental health care, addiction treatment, and social services alongside housing helps people maintain stability. For example, supportive housing programs that include on-site counseling and medical care have reduced homelessness and improved quality of life for many participants.

Addressing Systemic Inequalities

Efforts to reduce discrimination and improve access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities are essential. Policies that promote fair housing practices and protect tenants from eviction can also help prevent homelessness.

Prevention and Early Intervention

Preventing homelessness before it starts is critical. This includes rental assistance, mediation services for tenants and landlords, and programs that identify and support people at risk of losing housing.

Community Involvement and Awareness

Communities can play a role by fostering understanding and reducing stigma around homelessness. Real-life stories, like those of James and Maria, help humanize the issue and encourage empathy and support for comprehensive solutions.

Moving Forward with Compassion and Action

Homelessness is a complex issue that requires more than just affordable housing. Mental health, addiction, and systemic inequalities all contribute to the problem and must be addressed through coordinated efforts. By combining housing with supportive services and tackling the root causes, we can create lasting change.

If you want to help, consider supporting local organizations that provide comprehensive services to people experiencing homelessness. Advocate for policies that address systemic barriers and promote fair housing. Understanding the full picture of homelessness is the first step toward meaningful solutions.