How Homelessness Affects Society

Published October 27, 2023

When you see a homeless person on the street, you’d probably feel pity for a second and then go about your business. Homelessness doesn’t concern you as long as you’ve got a stable job and a roof over your head.

Or so you thought.

Homelessness affects us all – whether we experience it or not. It’s a complex social problem that affects our communities in more ways than one. And it concerns you, whether you like it or not.

The Community Impacts On Homelessness

1. It Costs the Government More Money

Yes, you read it right. Homelessness is costing the government millions of dollars of your tax money. According to the Homeless Data Integration System, Continuums of Care (CoCs) across California provided housing and services to 315,847 individuals experiencing homelessness in 2022.  

According to recent statistics, significant funding has been allocated to combat homelessness. Out of the total $20.6 billion allocated through 2024, nearly $4 billion has been given to local governments for anti-homelessness initiatives.

Additionally, $3.7 billion is specifically aimed at purchasing properties. Properties like motels and commercial buildings will be converted into permanent, affordable housing.

Imagine money is spent on providing permanent supportive housing for them. The government won’t only be able to save money. It would significantly alter the state of homelessness in the country.

2. It Poses a Threat to Public Health

It’s undeniable that homeless people are more vulnerable to infectious diseases. In 2018, an outbreak of Hepatitis A ravaged California. It particularly hit counties with high populations of unsheltered homeless individuals.

Though unfortunate, this doesn’t come as a shock. Sleeping rough on the streets, exposed to the elements, can compromise one’s physical health. Add to that the often unsanitary living conditions, and they don’t stand much chance during outbreaks of diseases.

3. It Can Compromise Public Security

Many homeless people struggle with mental health issues of some sort. Most of the time, their mental illness is brought about by their traumatic upbringing. They have been abuse victims themselves, and many find it hard to break the cycle. Whether they know it or not, they tend to inflict the same suffering on others. As a result, communities with high rates of homelessness also have high crime rates.

4. It Breaks Down Community Life

When a large number of the population is 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 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 distrust each other.

5. It Creates Social Barriers

Homelessness brings with it a social stigma. Those who experience it often live in shame and isolation. They’re trying to survive, and they are desperate for help. But the fear of condemnation often prevents them from reaching out.

On the flip side, those who haven’t experienced homelessness will never be able to grasp what people experiencing homelessness are going through entirely. They tend to shrug them off as lazy bums who just can’t be bothered to work.

The lack of empathy from one side and the fear of being judged by the other often lead to communication breakdown. This, in turn, drives a thick, invisible wall between the two sides. It becomes an “us” versus “them” instead of “we” against poverty.

This social barrier only serves to bring to the fore those deeply rooted biases against the most vulnerable members of society.

6. It Shapes the Next Generation

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.

Unfortunately, when all you’ve known your whole life is homelessness, it becomes your norm. That’s what happens with homeless children. 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. Many also tend to develop serious mental health issues while growing up. All these can harm their ability to live an everyday life. As such, only very few manage to break the cycle.

7. Strains Social Services

Homelessness places a strain on social services and resources that are already limited. Shelters, food banks, and healthcare facilities often struggle to meet the demand. This can result in longer wait times, overcrowding, and a lack of necessary support services.

Additionally, funding for other important social programs may suffer. This is because more resources are allocated to address homelessness. This can have a domino effect, affecting areas such as education, healthcare, and community development.

8. Diminishes Economic Prosperity

The presence of a significant homeless population can negatively impact local economies. Businesses may experience reduced foot traffic and sales. This is due to safety concerns or the perception that an area is undesirable. Tourism may also decline, leading to a decrease in revenue for businesses dependent on visitors.

Furthermore, addressing homelessness might use funds that are originally for economic development initiatives. Ultimately, homelessness can hinder economic growth and prosperity in affected communities.       

9. Increases Environmental Impact

Homelessness often leads to increased littering. It also leads to waste accumulation and unsanitary conditions in public spaces. Homeless individuals may have no choice but to relieve themselves outdoors because they don’t have access to facilities. This contributes to environmental contamination.

These factors degrade the quality of life for homeless individuals and residents. It poses environmental and health risks. The cleanup and maintenance costs further strain local budgets and resources.

10. Worsens Mental Health and Substance Abuse Issues

Homelessness worsens existing mental health challenges and substance abuse issues. The stress, trauma, and isolation of living without stable housing can intensify mental health conditions. This contributes to self-medication through drug or alcohol use.