Homelessness and IHN
... Family homelessness is a rapidly growing population, due to many factors. One of the principal causes of family homelessness is the small supply of affordable housing. ... Many low-income renters are often only one paycheck or hardship away from homelessness (Why Are People Homeless, 3/18/03, 2). The loss of a job, an increase in rent, or sudden illness can easily drive a family into homelessness. ... Another factor contributing to homelessness is the lack of affordable health care. ... A third contributor to homelessness is domestic violence. ... A final factor leading to homelessness is addiction disorders. The relationship between homelessness and addictions is controversial though. Often times addictions do not directly lead to homelessness, but people who are poor and addicted are at an increased risk of becoming homeless. ... Family homelessness has many downsides for both the parents, and the children. ... "I just wanted to drop that sandwich and move on," remembers IHN founder Karen Olsen, "but she grabbed my hand and we talked for several minutes. ... So, on October 27, 1986, the first Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) opened its doors to the homeless. ... First, NIHN collects information on homelessness and prioritizes areas with the greatest need.