How do people become homeless?

Each person’s story is unique, of course. Experiencing a life crisis without financial or family support can land almost anyone out on the street. Common issues include domestic violence, a major illness or accident with no medical insurance, extended unemployment, drug or alcohol addiction, and mental illness. Families seeking housing face many barriers: high rents, long waiting lists for subsidized housing, credit problems, previous evictions, mountains of paperwork, and the challenge of communicating without an address or phone number.

The Root Causes for homelessness women in Louisville:

1. Domestic Violence

• Many women experience homelessness after fleeing abusive relationships. Without sufficient support systems, shelters, or affordable housing options, they often have no safe place to go. Louisville has only one emergency shelter resource for women fleeing life threatening circumstances, The Center for Women and Families, and demand almost always exceeds capacity.

2. Lack of Affordable Housing

• Louisville, like many cities, faces a significant shortage of affordable housing. Rising rental costs and stagnant wages disproportionately impact women, particularly single mothers, who often have lower incomes and face greater housing insecurity.

3. Poverty and Income Inequality

• Women are more likely to work in low-paying or part-time jobs, often without benefits. This financial instability can make it difficult to afford rent, childcare, healthcare, or other necessities.

4. Mental Health Issues and Trauma

• Mental health challenges, often compounded by trauma such as abuse, neglect, or assault, are significant contributors. Women without access to mental health care or support services may lose housing as a result.

5. Addiction and Substance Use Disorders

• Addiction, often tied to trauma or untreated mental health issues, can result in eviction, job loss, and severed family relationships, all of which contribute to homelessness.

6. Systemic Barriers and Discrimination

• Women, particularly women of color, LGBTQ+ women, and those with disabilities, face systemic discrimination in employment, housing, and access to resources. These barriers exacerbate housing instability.

7. Lack of Access to Childcare

• For women with children, the lack of affordable, reliable childcare in Louisville can limit their ability to maintain employment and housing stability.

8. Gaps in the Social Safety Net

• Insufficient availability of housing assistance, mental health services, addiction recovery programs, and other supports leaves many women without adequate options to prevent homelessness.