I believe most homelessness is due to drug addiction and people’s unwillingness to get off of them. Around here “tent cities” pop up close to shelters where people who are unwilling to abide by shelter rules can still get access to food and clothing.
Drug addiction is completely out of control.
Yes. Thoreau said that most men live lives of quiet desperation. And, amidst the glitter and glamour, with drugs available, it is there and growing.
It sure seems that either addiction or mental illness drives people to live on the streets.
But, I wonder if the statistics count other people who are technically homeless, but they have a place to stay.
For example, one of my coworkers was homeless, though no one would've ever guessed. She was well-dressed and attractive. She told me a church let her sleep in its basement.