Homelessness is one of the most persistent and visible social crises in America, affecting over half a million people on any given night. It stems from a complex web of issues including a lack of affordable housing, stagnant wages, mental health challenges, and rising living costs. In many cities, rent prices have far outpaced income growth, forcing individuals and families to make impossible choices between basic needs like food, healthcare, and shelter. Systemic barriers such as discrimination, job insecurity, and limited access to social services further trap people in cycles of instability, making it incredibly difficult to regain stable housing once it’s lost.