IMANA understands that homelessness is an urgent issue with no easy answers. The 2022 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report (AHAR) by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development revealed that around 582,000 Americans experienced homelessness in 2022. This represents approximately 18 out of every 10,000 people.

These individuals lack stable, safe, and permanent housing. This includes those who sleep on the streets, stay in temporary shelters, live in cars, or "couch surf" by temporarily moving between the homes of friends and family.

With such a significant portion of the population living without stable housing, homelessness remains a serious social challenge that requires attention. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) recognizes adequate housing as a fundamental human right.

So, what do homeless people need? This article takes a closer look at homelessness, its causes, the basic needs of homeless people, and potential long-term solutions.

Why Do People Experience Homelessness?

Understanding why people become homeless is critical to creating meaningful solutions. Homelessness is rarely caused by a single factor. Instead, it often results from a complex combination of systemic issues such as poverty, unaffordable housing, unemployment, and social discrimination.

Personal crises, including domestic violence, mental illness, and substance abuse, can also contribute to homelessness, especially when individuals lack a support network or safety net. By recognizing these interconnected causes, policymakers, communities, and organizations can develop more effective and compassionate strategies to prevent and address homelessness.

Understanding the Main Causes of Homelessness

According to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), high rent costs and increasing unemployment are major causes of homelessness.

Several additional factors also contribute to the issue.

Lack of Affordable Housing

The nation is experiencing a shortage of affordable housing. As a result, there are not enough rental options available for individuals and families in the lowest income brackets.

With more than 41.4 million individuals living below the poverty line, the lack of affordable housing continues to contribute significantly to homelessness.

Low Income and Rising Living Costs

Housing costs have increased at a much faster pace than wages. In general, wage growth has remained relatively stagnant over the last three decades while the cost of living has risen substantially.

As a result, many individuals struggle to afford housing. This challenge is often compounded by rental requirements that may include security deposits and advance payments before an application is accepted.

Discrimination Against Minorities and Marginalized Groups

Discrimination against minorities and marginalized populations is another important factor associated with homelessness.

The following statistics help illustrate this issue:

• Eighty-nine percent of people experiencing homelessness are Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC).
• One out of four youths leaving foster care experiences homelessness within four years of aging out of the system.
• Survivors of domestic abuse face elevated risks of homelessness due to discrimination and other barriers.

People within these groups often face a greater risk of becoming homeless.

What Are the Basic Needs of Homeless People?

Affordable housing is the most important long-term need. However, when considering what homeless people need the most, several immediate necessities must also be addressed.

In addition to shelter, homeless people often need:

• Socks
• Food
• Pet food
• Personal hygiene products
• Gift cards and transportation passes
• Rain gear
• Warm clothing
• Blankets
• Protection from violence and discrimination
• Medication
• Access to healthcare

To reduce homelessness, governments and communities must also improve social conditions by addressing root causes. This may include providing stronger tenant protections, implementing rent control measures where appropriate, and establishing more rigorous eviction procedures that help people remain in their homes.

Why Healthcare and Medication Matter for Homeless People

Homelessness involves much more than the absence of housing. It can have profound effects on physical and mental health.

A study published by the National Library of Medicine found that homeless individuals frequently experience poor physical health outcomes and higher rates of premature death due to limited access to healthcare services.

Sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS, are also more prevalent among homeless populations. Factors such as substance abuse and high-risk sexual practices can contribute to these outcomes. In some cases, substance use becomes a coping mechanism, while others may engage in sex work because of limited employment opportunities.

Homelessness can also significantly affect mental health. Research indicates that homeless individuals are approximately twice as likely to experience mental health challenges compared with people who have stable housing. Additionally, 47 percent of homeless women meet the criteria for a major depressive disorder diagnosis.

Declining physical and mental health can create barriers to education and employment, increasing vulnerability and reinforcing a cycle of poverty, homelessness, poor health, and limited economic opportunity.

In severe cases, homelessness can result in death, including deaths by suicide.

Ultimately, homelessness can have lasting consequences for health and well-being, even after an individual secures stable housing.

How Education and Employment Help Reduce Homelessness

Education and employment opportunities can play a major role in reducing homelessness, although access to both may be difficult for homeless individuals because of social stigma and other barriers.

Young people who lack a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) credential are 346% more likely to experience homelessness than those who graduate from high school. Educational attainment often influences job eligibility and earning potential.

Improved employment opportunities can also help homeless people secure housing. Unemployment and underemployment rates tend to be significantly higher among homeless populations than among individuals with stable housing.

At the same time, homelessness itself can reduce employability, making it even harder for people to find work.

For this reason, expanding access to education and employment opportunities is an important part of addressing homelessness. However, employment alone cannot fully solve the problem. Policymakers and communities must also address the broader systemic issues that contribute to homelessness.

Long-Term Solutions to Homelessness

So, what do homeless people need to achieve lasting stability?

While shelter, food, healthcare, and other forms of assistance are essential, they primarily address immediate needs. Long-term progress requires solutions that target the underlying causes of homelessness, including income inequality, the shortage of affordable housing, and unequal access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.

Creating sustainable change requires coordinated efforts from governments, nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, communities, and other stakeholders.

The Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMANA) is committed to improving the lives of homeless people. As a healthcare organization, IMANA provides free clinics to the public. Although no single organization can eliminate homelessness on its own, these efforts help raise awareness and expand access to healthcare for those who need it most.

Frequently Asked Questions About Homeless People and Homelessness

What do homeless people need the most?

Affordable housing is the most important long-term need. Immediate needs often include food, clothing, hygiene products, healthcare, medication, and personal safety.

What are the primary causes of homelessness?

Major causes include unaffordable housing, low income, unemployment, discrimination, domestic violence, mental illness, and substance abuse. This could also be tied to conflicts around the world, leaving people without their houses. IMANA takes care of these refugees, providing food and shelter to those in need. If you want to learn more, watch how our volunteer physicians help children in Syria.

Why is healthcare important for homeless people?

Healthcare helps address physical and mental health conditions that may worsen during homelessness and improves overall well-being.

How does education help prevent homelessness?

Education improves employment opportunities and earning potential, reducing the likelihood of experiencing homelessness.

Can employment alone end homelessness?

No. Employment is important, but long-term solutions also require affordable housing, healthcare access, and broader systemic reforms.

Why are marginalized groups at higher risk of homelessness?

Discrimination, limited opportunities, and systemic barriers can increase the likelihood of homelessness among certain populations.