On average, at least 560,000 people become homeless every day; experts find that these numbers are on the rise. In recent months there has been a drastic impact on homeless rates throughout the United States. With the looming coronavirus, restrictions due to the virus have lifted far too soon, causing skyrocketing homeless numbers due to evictions and foreclosures.
At-Risk Groups Who Are Most Affected
When discussing homelessness, it is important to start by looking at factors that are contributing. The main reason for the increase may be that many cannot hold down a job with the current state of affairs. With many industries being closed indefinitely, people are being laid off and finding it hard to find a new job. Unfortunately, research has shown those who are living paycheck-to-paycheck are most likely to lose employment.
States Are Relaxing Eviction Restrictions Too Soon
To solve many being without paychecks, almost all parts of the United States placed a moratorium on evictions. The moratorium meant that people could not be evicted or foreclosed on during the current crisis. It temporarily provided relief, so many hoped they could find a new job and get back on their feet. However, the restrictions on evicting tenants have been mostly removed. Meanwhile, restrictions hampering business operations are still in place. These conflicting government policies mean people are forced to pay rent but not able to work.
Even More, Homelessness Is on the Horizon
With eviction moratoriums removed, the number of people struggling to maintain housing has soared rapidly. Sadly, the worst is yet to come. Research indicates that the number of Americans using credit cards to pay rent has increased by 43 percent. This means more and more people are taking on an insurmountable amount of debt. Even if all businesses reopened, many would still become homeless in the upcoming months. With shelters at capacity and winter around the corner, this could lead to a genuinely shocking housing crisis.