Homelessness
• Poverty can lead to home transiency and homelessness. According to The National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty, homelessness results from a lack of affordable housing, increases in rents, destruction of low-income housing and cuts in housing programs. Families without reliable shelter cannot easily pursue further education to gain better employment, and do not have consistent health care. They also suffer stress and greater rates of mental illness, family breakup and substance abuse. Dependable and safe housing creates a solid base for families and societies to develop secure and healthy communities.