Causes of Homelessness

Despite effective programs and dedicated providers working to address homelessness, there are still hundreds of City residents each year who experience a crisis that results in loss of housing. And once housing is lost, it is increasingly difficult for an individual or family to get back on track.

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Income and Wages

Most households become homeless because they simply do not make enough money to pay for housing.

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Housing Costs

If housing cost is a significant part of a family’s income, missing a payment likely means they will be unable to catch back up, ultimately leading to housing loss.

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Safe and Affordable Housing

According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, the State of Indiana faces a shortage of 135,033 rental homes that are affordable and available for extremely low-income renters.

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Special Populations at Greater Risk of Homelessness

Vulnerable communities such as families with children, people of color, transition-age youth, veterans, formerly incarcerated, and persons with serious mental illness are more prone to experiencing homelessness due to limited services, social stigma and financial resources.

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Systemic Inequities in Housing, Income, Education, and Services

Black or African Americans are disproportionately represented in the homeless population due to disparities caused by centuries of discrimination in housing, criminal justice, child welfare and education.