The homelessness crisis in California is associated with high housing costs, inadequate shelter spaces, deinstitutionalization, and changes in the criminal justice system. While low wages contribute to homelessness, unemployment is also an important factor. The causes of unemployment vary and some countries have higher rates than others. Once a person is unemployed for a while, they can easily fall into destitution.
Research shows that most homeless people want to work, but face obstacles, such as not having a permanent address. On a global scale, poverty is one of the most important root causes of homelessness. Stagnant wages, unemployment, and the high costs of housing and health care contribute to poverty. Not being able to afford essential items such as housing, food, education and more greatly increases the risk for an individual or family.
To effectively address homelessness, governments and organizations must address poverty. The reasons that are often given include a moderate climate, the availability of generous social benefits, mental health and drug abuse. However, an extensive and meticulously written article in the current issue of the magazine Atlantic overturns all these supposed causes.
