WHAT ARE THE DRIVING FACTORS OF HOMELESSNESS?
“There are community contributing factors — access to housing that is
affordable is key. Rental market changes are impactful. A recent study
looking at shifts in rents and incomes placed Sacramento in the top 10 of
least-affordable markets nationally, with rents rising faster than wages.
Lack of housing production — both market-rate and affordable housing
— contributes to homelessness, which means resolution is more diffi-
cult. Other contributing factors that are not completely quantified include
changes within the criminal justice system and the lack of options for elderly
or other persons needing specialized care to maintain their housing.”
- Patrick Kennedy, Sacramento County
“At this point, I think we all know about rising rents and in-
sufficient new construction of housing. We’ve also seen a re-
duction in room-and-board (and) board-and-care facilities,
which are a meaningful option for many homeless individu-
als, especially those with disabilities. Also there is a need for
greater substance-abuse treatment and mental-health sup-
port options in the community.”
- Sarah Bontrager, Elk Grove
“First and foremost, the lack of affordable housing. Placer
County has a residential vacancy rate of less than 1.65 percent,
making it incredibly difficult for our low-income population
to find affordable units. Other factors that also play a signif-
icant role include mental illness, substance abuse, domestic
violence, limited education and job skills, and a history of fos-
ter care.”
– Jeff Brown, Placer County
“Economic situations — being priced out of rent — is the No. 1
factor for seniors. As they survive on a limited income, there is
only so much to go around. A simple rent increase of $50 will
price them into homelessness, with no ability to gain a new
place. Lately, the rent increases are far more than these indi-
viduals can handle. They live on a thin line of balance.”
– Mike Leahy, Yuba County
“Substance abuse — alcohol, methamphetamine and
opiates — mental illness, health issues, job loss and
low-paying jobs, lack of affordable housing, poor life
decisions and the death of a spouse — we
have an older population, and there is
an ever-growing population of senior
citizens living in their cars.”
- Frank Axe, Amador County
October 2019 | comstocksmag.com
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