Who Experiences Homelessness?
People Who Can’t Afford Rent
Millions of Americans are being pushed into homelessness because they can’t afford rising rent prices. There just aren’t enough affordable homes for everyone. Learn who’s most affected.
Cost Burdened Renters
People who pay more than a third of their income on housing are considered housing cost burdened. But many households pay half their income or more on housing, a severe cost burden that often forces them to forego basic needs, including groceries, medicine, and healthcare, among other necessities. These households are commonly employed but simply can’t access the affordable housing they need, trapping them in a cycle of housing instability and increased risk of homelessness.
People Living in Deep Poverty
The U.S. Census Bureau reports that more than 20 million people lived in deep poverty in 2021, representing 6.2 percent of the total population and 48.4 percent of those in poverty. These households deal with economic pressures each day, with housing costs being among the most crushing.
Low Wage Workers
Marginalized Communities
The Impact of Rural Poverty
People on Fixed Incomes
People on fixed incomes face extreme economic pressure, as the cost of rent and goods increases, while their income stays the same.
Older Adults
Adults over the age of 50 represent the fastest growing segment of people experiencing homelessness. For many, their ability to age in place is made impossible by rising housing costs, growing medical bills, and an insufficient social safety net. For older adults of color, structural racism and discriminatory practices are primary drivers of homelessness, likely including access to housing, employment, income, healthcare and mental services; overall quality of care; and experiences with the justice system.
People Relying on Public Assistance
For those relying on public assistance programs, housing is often out of reach. Even for lifelong workers relying on Social Security or people requiring Social Security Disability, these income supports have not kept pace with the skyrocketing cost of rent.
People Exiting Institutional Settings
People who are exiting institutional settings often re-enter society with limited income and economic opportunity. For these groups, the ability to pay for housing is the key obstacle to starting a new life.
Returning Citizens
After paying their debt to society, people exiting from prison face deep discrimination in housing and employment, unable to earn the wages to afford housing, and too often denied the opportunity to secure their own housing.
Foster Youth
Children who grow up in foster care often face a crisis when they age out of the system. Former foster youth face immediate pressure to secure and maintain housing, despite having more limited income and support networks, than other young adults. While promising policy solutions are emerging, too many foster youth are immediately housing insecure upon their exit from the foster care system.
The Real Stories Behind Housing Instability
Beyond the stats, real people are struggling with rising rent and unstable housing. Their stories paint a vivid picture of what happens when there aren’t enough affordable homes.
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