The populations of people who are experiencing homelessness in the eight-county Big Bend area have varying characteristics. They range in age, gender, educational levels, cause of homelessness, length of time being homeless, and number of homeless episodes. There is a common theme amongst the majority of people experiencing homelessness and those at risk of homelessness; the common theme is that they suffer from the systemic effects of poverty.
Causes of Homelessness.
- Lack of affordable housing and other housing related issues such as eviction, foreclosure, or the end of a temporary living arrangement. Locally, this is one of the top three reasons people are homeless.
- Lack of adequate income, unemployment/underemployment, or other financial reasons. Locally, “unemployment or underemployment” is also one of the top three reasons people reported that they were homeless in our most recent homeless census. “Not enough income to make ends meet” is also among the primary reasons people report they became homeless.
- Lack of needed services and treatment. Family problems like divorce, separation or moving out to escape abuse are prevalent among women both with and without children. Physical or medical disabilities, mental or emotional problems, substance abuse or a mix of these, coupled with lack of services to treat these needs, are among the top reasons people become chronically homeless.