By Website Editor
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November 24, 2021
Homelessness in the United States is increasing and can be found in rural areas as well as in big cities. Statistics from the U.S. Department of Housing estimate over 550,000 men, women, and children are homeless on any given night. Most, about 70 percent, are adult males and at 49 percent, Caucasians represent the largest ethnic group, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness. Included in the 550,000 homeless are nearly 38,000 veterans — again, primarily men — representing 9 percent of homeless adults. While that percentage is still high, the number has decreased over the past 10 years, when veterans represented about 25 percent of the adult homeless population. The decrease is due to the efforts of the Veterans Administration and national veterans organizations. There are four primary causes of homelessness, according to the National Law Center on Homelessness. Poverty is first, followed by the lack of affordable housing, unemployment, and mental illness with the lack of needed services. Following at number five is substance abuse and the lack of needed services. While most of the nation’s homeless are found in urban areas, the Department of Housing estimates 7 percent can be found in rural communities like Mountain Home.