housing is considered affordable if it costs 30% or less of a household's income. However, on average, renters spend about 40% of their earnings on housing expenses. As a result, people living in poverty allocate a larger percentage of their income towards rent.

When a household spends more than half (50%) of its total income solely on rent, it faces severe housing cost burden and becomes more vulnerable to becoming homeless. According to statistics from 2009, about 72% of impoverished individuals experienced this severe burden, further exacerbating the issue of homelessness.

States like Florida, California, and Nevada have particularly high numbers where roughly around 80% percent of those living below the poverty line experience high housing costs. This leaves them at greater risk for homelessness. Some families face homelessness due to low incomes or expensive housing burdens they cannot afford.

Tackling Homelessness and Poverty: Policies for a Better Future

This text discusses the causes of homelessness, such as unemployment and low wages. In 2009, the unemployment rate was 9.3%, particularly high in Michigan. Workers from impoverished households had an average annual income of $9,151 in that year.

Affording decent housing can be challenging for individuals with meager wages. If they are the sole providers, their housing costs must be below $230 per month; however, fair market rents for one-bedroom apartments across all US counties exceed this limit. As a result, many people are forced into homelessness.

The US also faced a foreclosure crisis in 2009, with approximately 500,000 more foreclosures compared to the previous year. States like Alabama, West Virginia, Mississippi, Hawaii and Idaho experienced nearly tripled numbers of foreclosed properties leading to homelessness for some families and individuals.

Financial difficulties can

lead to families doubling up by living with friends or family members temporarily. It is estimated that one out of ten people who double up will eventually become homeless. In 2009 alone, there were 6,037,256 people resorting to doubling up as a temporary solution.

Approximately one-sixth of individuals are at a higher risk of becoming homeless. In 2009 alone, there were 29,500 emancipations from foster care.Another group at risk of becoming homeless is individuals recently released from prison, with an estimated one out of eleven facing homelessness after release. In 2009, there were 679,738 prisoners released which represents a 2% increase from the previous year.

Moreover, domestic violence can contribute to homelessness, particularly for women who leave abusive relationships but have low incomes. It was estimated that around half of the cases of homelessness in 2005 were caused by domestic violence. Additionally, 63% of homeless women had experienced abuse in their former homes (National Coalition of the Homeless, 2009).

These findings clearly demonstrate an increasing problem. To prevent the situation from worsening, prompt implementation of policies is necessary. This section delves into measures aimed at addressing homelessness primarily caused by poverty. To effectively tackle homelessness, it is essential to target poverty as well.

Unemployment rates have been steadily rising over recent years; thus, the government has a responsibility to devise programs that prevent further escalation. Encouraging entrepreneurship among youth and unemployed individuals by providing investment funds is one solution. Creating a favorable economic environment is also crucial in avoiding job cuts as a cost reduction measure during economic hardship.

Additionally, it is important for the government to increase funding towards affordable housing programs to enhance housing accessibility."The government's direct involvement

in providing financial aid or temporary rent assistance is crucial for stabilizing individuals' situations and securing permanent housing. Legislative measures should be put in place to prevent the indiscriminate demolition of public houses and combat homelessness issues. One suggestion could be to ensure alternative housing facilities are available before demolishing current ones, as seen in Atlanta where subsidized houses are replaced by mixed-income houses. Unfortunately, affected families often do not receive any other options, which contributes to homelessness along with factors like domestic violence. To effectively address domestic violence, the government should focus on educating the entire population about prevention and prosecuting offenders to deter others from committing similar crimes. It is also important to enforce stricter punishments to tackle domestic violence effectively. By addressing domestic violence, there may be a decrease in overall homelessness rates. The government can take measures to provide affordable housing for those at risk of homelessness, including low-income earners, youth, and the unemployed. Ensuring that all citizens have access to both housing and health insurance is crucial. Encouraging families to stay together is recommended as strong family bonds can help prevent homelessness.The collaboration between states, schools, and community organizations is crucial in identifying homeless children and at-risk youth. By implementing these preventive measures, the issue can be effectively addressed in its early stages, thereby reducing the demolitions and homelessness crisis as a whole.

Having a permanent and comfortable place to live is the dream of everyone. The benefits of having a home are numerous. It helps to keep many diseases away and also reduces violence and crime, while upholding morality. The government has also recognized these benefits. In its strategic plan

'Opening Doors' of 2010, it revealed that in Portland, a year after providing support housing programs for homeless people, there was a significant reduction in various aspects. Inpatien hospitalization decreased by 77%, emergency room visits decreased by 62%, ambulance transports decreased by 60%, psychiatric hospitalizations reduced by almost 40%, days in jail reduced by 62%, and there were 68% fewer police contacts. Thus, it can be concluded that eliminating homelessness brings great advantages.