How do people become homeless?
• Poverty and the lack of affordable housing: current levels of housing costs, coupled with low-wage jobs and the recent economic downturn, push even the working poor out of their homes; • Divorce, domestic violence, and lack of family support; • Chronic health problems; • Mental illness; • Drug and alcohol addiction; and • Natural disasters. How can I get help if I am homeless or about to be homeless? The Alliance is a research- and policy-based organization, and as such is not a direct-service provider with the capacity to directly assist people in need of immediate assistance. However, we do know of some places that may be more helpful. Immediate sources of aid in your community can be found by consulting your local department of social services or your local branch of the Salvation Army or United Way. You may also find it helpful to consult directories of homeless service providers by the the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the National Coalition for the Homele
