Homelessness is a crisis that affects many children and families across the United States. Homeless kids may be in shelters, motels, cars, makeshift dwellings, abandoned buildings, or on the streets. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, more than 1.5 million kids in the United States experience homelessness annually. This article will look at six common causes that may lead to homelessness among children.

1. Loss of Employment

Losing a job can be devastating for anyone, especially families. It can create homeless kids, especially if the parent, or parents, can't find a new job soon enough. When the family income is lost, they may be unable to afford rent and other basic living expenses. Some shelter services can help people find new job opportunities, so it's important to see if that help is available.

2. Domestic Violence

Domestic violence hurts everyone in a home. The abused spouse and/or child often flee from their homes for safety with little to no resources to help them get back on their feet. It's especially true for single-parent households. Shelter services can help families escape harmful situations and help them navigate through these tough times

3. Mental Illness

Children suffer in many ways when their parents struggle with mental health issues. Depending on the degree of the mental illness, it can be hard for parents to take care of their children. Mental illness may prevent the parent from holding down a job or being able to maintain stable housing. Kids suffering from mental illness may not want to seek help from others as well, which only keeps them in whatever situation they find themselves facing. If you are facing issues with your mental health, it's vital that you reach out to areas such as shelter services for support to address your problems.

4. Substance Abuse

Drugs and alcohol may take over the parent's life, leading them to neglect their children. Substance abuse may also lead to eviction from rental properties. Even if a family finds refuge in a shelter, continuing substance abuse can prevent them from graduating to more stable housing. It's imperative to utilize the resources available at shelters, as this allows parents and children to receive the support they need to get back on their feet.

5. Poverty

Poverty is an all-too-frequent cause of homeless kids. It often goes hand-in-hand with a lack of resources and support, which can make it difficult for families to pay for rent or utilities. Even when families can afford housing they may still be unable to pay for other essentials, such as food and clothing. Shelter services can provide resources to help people find ways to make the income they need to survive, however, it's on the families in need to put in the work to make the most of these opportunities.

It's heartbreaking to think of so many children struggling with homelessness in the United States. Bringing attention to this issue and working together to create solutions can help these children. If you are able, please contact Genesee County Youth Corp to find out how you can help homeless kids today.