Myth versus Fact #1 (http://www.nationalhomeless.org/factsheets/)

MYTH: Homeless people could get jobs, they are just too lazy or don’t want to work.

FACT: If laziness made someone homeless, many of us would be in trouble. Most homeless people are incredibly hard-working and often have more than one job but still can’t afford to pay rent.

MILITARY VETERANS: There are between 130,000 and 200,000 US Military Veterans homeless on any given night. Three times that many veterans are struggling with excessive rent burdens and thus at increased risk of homelessness.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: Domestic violence is another leading cause in homelessness---many victims have nowhere else to go after they leave their abusive partners.

MENTAL ILLNESS:Studies indicate that approximately 16% of homeless people have a mental illness, and without access to affordable health care they can’t get it treated so they end up not being able to keep a job or afford rent.

HIGH RENT: The average rent for a one bedroom apartment costs 80% of the minimum wage income, which is way too high for the average person to afford.

BOTTOM LINE: Homelessness results from a complex set of circumstances that require people to choose between food, shelter, and other basic needs. Only a concerted effort to ensure jobs that pay a living wage, adequate support for those who cannot work, affordable housing, and access to health care will bring an end to homelessness.