How does homelessness affect people

Many try to help and inspire others who are still working their way out of homelessness. The causes of homelessness vary but the most common are economic challenges, domestic violence, family issues, chronic health conditions, substance abuse, mental illness, PTSD, and lack of affordable housing. Almost everyone knows someone who is touched by these conditions, however, many of us have natural support systems that can help us through difficult times.

But what happens when those support systems fail? Jermaine grew up in Decatur, Georgia. Serious illness and the resulting decrease in income led Jermaine to become homeless at the age of He worked as a manager at a fast food chain. Jermaine told us that he felt like his life is in order.

It is hard for them to believe. It is this fact of not dealing with reality that makes homeless people less able to take actions, but they suffer psychologically as a result.

Here some of the consequences:. Effects of Homelessness Word Search The effects of homelessness on homeless people are large. They have been victims of abuse themselves and many of them find it hard to break the cycle. As a result, communities with high rates of homelessness also have high crime rates. When a large number of the population are experiencing homelessness, it brings community life to its breaking point.

It tests the very being of the community — their shared morals and that sense of belonging. Homelessness brings it all into question. Before you know it, the very essence of a community has broken down. We can no longer expect sympathy from the people we live in close quarters with. It fosters uncertainty and constant fear of the people we pass by on the streets.

In short, it creates an unhealthy community where people generally distrust each other. Homelessness brings with it a social stigma. Those who experience it often live in shame and isolation. But the fear of condemnation often prevents them from reaching out. The lack of empathy from one side and the fear of being judged by the other often lead to a breakdown of communication. This, in turn, drives a thick invisible wall between the two sides.

This social barrier only serves to bring to the fore those deeply rooted biases against the most vulnerable members of society. Children who are born to homeless parents often grow up to become homeless adults themselves.

This is how homelessness affects even the next generation. The homelessness cycle will repeat itself for generations unless someone fights to break out of it. The impacts of homelessness begin even before they are born. Deprived of proper prenatal care, many children born into homelessness often suffer from poor physical health.

Being homeless also often prevents them from going to school.