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Understanding the Problem
To understand homelessness, we look at who’s affected, its impact on the city, why it happens, and what’s already being done to help in Queens.
A sample of three agencies providing services to address the problem of homelessness
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Breaking Ground :Offers transitional and permanent supportive housing, street outreach, and case management to individuals experiencing chronic homelessness in New York City.
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The Boulevard Family Residence (Samaritan Daytop Village) :Provides emergency shelter and supportive services for homeless families, including job readiness, counseling, and access to healthcare.
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CAMBA : A nonprofit agency offering housing assistance, legal support, mental health services, and employment training to individuals and families facing homelessness.
Why Does Homelessness Exist
At PathForward, we believe it’s important to not just treat homelessness but understand what causes it. One of the main explanations supported by research is called the Structural Causes Theory.
Understanding the Structural Causes Theory
Homelessness doesn’t just happen because someone made bad choices. More often, it happens because systems in our society are broken. This theory says that homelessness is a result of social and economic forces, not personal failure.
Examples of Structural Causes
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Lack of Affordable Housing: Rents are too high, especially in places like Queens, and there aren’t enough affordable apartments for people who need them.
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Low Wages & Poverty: Even working full time, many people still can’t earn enough to pay for rent, food, and basic needs.
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Unemployment or Insecure Jobs: Losing a job or working a job with no benefits or hours can lead to housing loss.
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Gaps in Mental Health and Addiction Services: Without the right care or support, people struggling with mental health or substance use can’t maintain stable housing.
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System Discharge Without Support: Youth aging out of foster care, people coming out of jail or hospitals often have nowhere to go and no one to help them.