homelessness

Being without access to adequate housing. The homeless include individuals and families living outdoors without shelter, persons temporarily housed in hostels, night shelters, and institutions such as psychiatric hospitals, and those temporarily accommodated by relatives or friends.

Causes and effects Homelessness can be caused by war, fire, flood, or similar emergency, violence in the home, divorce, unemployment, or a shortage of low-cost housing. Homeless people tend to be single, unemployed, and lacking in qualifications. Many have a history of violence in the home, and many suffer from psychological disorders, alcoholism, and drug abuse. Death rates among the homeless are far higher than among housed groups. Homelessness creates a sense of failure and results in isolation, loss of self-esteem, and loss of control over the most basic decisions and acts of everyday life such as when and what to eat, and where and when to wash. The number of homeless people has been growing in recent years, especially among the young.

According to a report released by the US Conference of Mayors, the US has recorded a rise in homelessness and hunger. The survey studied the change in demand for emergency assistance from 1997–1998 to 1998–1999, and reported an increase of 12% in demand for shelter and 18% in demand for food. Out of the 26 cities surveyed, 69% reported a rise in homelessness and 85% recorded more hunger among the deprived.