A.
Although men constitute the largest group within the homeless population, homeless women with children are rapidly joining them. In fact, one quarter of the homeless people in the U.S. are agers and young children.
B.
People may become homeless for numerous reasons. However there are certain factors that many of these individuals have in common. They include a lack of adequate education and job skills. A majority of the agers and s have not completed high school.
C.
The abuse of alcohol and drugs is also a common factor. One third of the homeless population abuses alcohol, while one quarter of the same group uses drugs.
D.
Some members of this population suffer mental health problems. Within the past several years many institutions for the menially ill have been closed and their patients sent "home". Unfortunately, a number of those people have no home to go to and they are unable to adequately look after themselves.
E.
Job loss in today’s economy has also become a real factor in the loss of people’s homes. The breakup of families through abandonment and divorce are also contributing factors, particularly when there are children involved. The parent who is left to care for the kids with inadequate income may be forced to depend on the homeless shelters to put a roof over their heads.