Housing instability and homelessness are two terms that are often used interchangeably but refer to two different problems. Housing instability is the state of living in a home that is not secure or safe and can include overcrowding, unsafe living conditions, and lack of access to basic utilities. Homelessness, on the other hand, is the lack of a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. Housing instability can be caused by a number of factors, such as poverty, job loss, and health issues. People who are housing insecure may be living in overcrowded homes, doubled up with family or friends, or living in a house or apartment that is in disrepair or lacking basic amenities. They may also be living in a home that is rented or owned by someone who is unable to pay the bills, or has been evicted or are facing eviction. Homelessness is a broader term that encompasses people who are living in shelters, transitional housing, on the street, in cars or other vehicles, or in other places not meant for human habitation. People become homeless for many of the same reasons that they become housing-insecure, such as poverty, job loss, and health issues, but can also be the result of domestic violence, eviction, or mental health and substance abuse issues. While housing instability and homelessness are two separate issues, they are often related, and people who are housing insecure may eventually become homeless if their situation does not improve. It is important to understand the difference between housing instability and homelessness, as well as the causes and effects of each, in order to be able to provide effective solutions.
Great post!