Most Common Types Of Homeless People

Posted by holycrossservices on January 28th, 2021

Homelessness is the last thing that anyone would like to experience in their lifetime. But still, there is an increasing number of people who become homeless due to various reasons. In fact, the count of homeless people is ever-growing on a yearly basis. 

Even with the increase in numbers, not all the Homeless shelters in Michigan are used to its full capacity. More and more people sleep on the streets than in shelters. So, it is fair to say that the number of unsheltered homeless people is increasing than sheltered homeless people. But do you wonder who these people are?

Well, let’s discuss that in this blog. 

1- Victims of layoffs:

Unemployment is one of the significant causes of homelessness among individuals and families. 

The increasing rent price and lack of affordable housing push the people away from the city and eventually from their home, resulting in homelessness. And once a person becomes the victim of layoffs, it becomes harder to afford an everyday living. 

2- Domestic violence survivors:

The next of the list is the domestic violence survivors. In fact, they make a significant amount of the homeless population throughout the country. 

The need for escaping from an abusive relationship forces the children or women to leave home and turn to streets. And if the individual doesn’t have a reliable family or friends, then becoming homeless is the only option. 

3- Unaccompanied minors or youths:

Unaccompanied minors are individuals above the age of 18 but under 24. These individuals might have left an abusive home, got kicked out from the home or foster care or must have left home for their own freedom. 

The reasons for leaving home can be an unstable family situation, drug-use or kicked out due to gender identity, etc. It is estimated that 40% of homeless youths belong to the LGBTQ+ community.

4- People with a disability of mental illness:

Less than half of the homeless population suffer from mental issues, substance disorder or medical issues like HIV/AIDS. Among these reasons, mental issues can be both the cause and effect of homelessness. It can make it harder for the individual to maintain a healthy relationship with family, at the workplace or even live a normal life, thus resulting in living on the streets. 

5- Veterans:

Homeless Veterans usually fall under the category of “chronically homeless.” This is because the loss of support after the military discharge, injuries during the service preventing to acquire stable jobs or destabilized family can make the veterans homeless multiple times a year. 

Most veterans also have mental illnesses like PTSD, making it hard for them to stay in a family environment. 

Over to you

So, there you go. These are some of the common types of homeless people that you may come across every day. 

If you wish to offer self-less support to a Foster care in Michigan, then connect with Holy Cross Services. 

James Stevenson is the author of this article. For more details about Foster care services in Michigan please visit our website:holycrossservices.org