Journal

We Can’t Pay the Rent

Families with children make up an increasing percentage of the homeless population. This article is based on interviews with homeless families, advocates, service providers, and government officials. For many families, homelessness is precipitated by a crisis such as illness or job loss. Some homeless families may have one or more members working, but still cannot afford to pay rent. Advocates and service providers attribute the growth in the number of homeless families to cutbacks in public housing programs.