Homelessness does not affect the employed: “Job Income Loss/Reduction” is a significant cause, indicating that individuals can become homeless even when they are employed or have recently lost employment, highlighting the precarious nature of some employment situations.
Evictions are rare and only happen to those who don’t pay their rent: “Eviction” is the second-highest cause, pointing to a broader housing affordability and stability issue in New Jersey, rather than simply non-payment.
Homelessness is a choice: Many of the causes listed are involuntary, such as “Release from Prison/Jail,” “Domestic Violence,” “Natural Disaster,” or “Illness,” demonstrating that homelessness is often a result of circumstances beyond an individual’s control.
The impact of societal issues is minimal on homelessness: “Eviction,” “Benefits Loss/Reduction,” and “Rent Increase/Insufficient Income” suggest systemic issues in housing and social safety nets and access to those services are significant factors and vectors into homelessness.
