US homelessness & poverty at an alarming high

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Published on Sep 11, 2012 by PressTVGlobalNews

Across the United States homelessness plagues the streets and shelters more than ever before.
In 2012 the census stated that 15% of all Americans are poor, meaning they earn around $21,765 for a family of four and this number has been growing in the past few years.
The economic collapse and housing crisis forced more people onto the streets and into shelters as they lost their jobs and homes.
However, other causes of homelessness in the United States are substance abuse, domestic violence, and mental illness.
According to the Network to End Domestic Violence, approximately 63% of homeless women have experienced domestic violence in their adult lives.
Many people who find themselves in impoverished situations with violence view homelessness as a way to escape the destructive situation.
Substance abuse is the single largest cause of homelessness in single adults. In particular, homeless people often face overwhelming barriers to attaining health care, including addictive disorder treatment services and recovery support.
Several organizations work to address the need for counseling of homeless individuals and incorporate it into their shelter programs. 

The government's lack of affordable housing and health care, in addition to the limited scale of housing, education and job assistance programs have all contributed to the current housing crisis, homelessness, and impacted the citizens on the streets drastically. .