Being homeless means much more than living in poverty. There are several harmful environments that these people live by physically, mentally and emotionally, that we may not always see. Detroit's major decline in the economy has played a huge role in the numbers and outcomes of the homeless population.
Economy:
Detroit being the Motor City, used to have a very healthy amount of jobs to go around. It was a happening city, where people were thriving. When they lost that, the city flipped and people either left or found themselves in really difficult situations. Detroit is now one of the highest ranking cities in debt and more wages are continuing to be cut. Shockingly enough, people who even have an education are having a hard time finding good jobs.
Detroit being the Motor City, used to have a very healthy amount of jobs to go around. It was a happening city, where people were thriving. When they lost that, the city flipped and people either left or found themselves in really difficult situations. Detroit is now one of the highest ranking cities in debt and more wages are continuing to be cut. Shockingly enough, people who even have an education are having a hard time finding good jobs.
As you probably know, it's especially tough for a homeless person to both get and maintain a job. They need information and resources beyond their capabilities and many are not there to help them. Things such as transportation, phones, reliability, disabilities and more, are all common reasons they can't keep up themselves.
Mental Illness and Homelessness in Detroit:
All human beings deserve the chance to be able to put their skills to use. For many homeless people, mental disorders prevent them from doing everyday things. In Detroit, over 60% of the homeless population share common issues of mental illness and/or substance abuse.
All human beings deserve the chance to be able to put their skills to use. For many homeless people, mental disorders prevent them from doing everyday things. In Detroit, over 60% of the homeless population share common issues of mental illness and/or substance abuse.
The closings of psychiatric hospitals, diminishing programs, and a lack of affordable housing often leave the mentally ill with no place to go and no hope of getting better. With such a distrust of society, these people often act irrationally towards others trying to help. Mental illness has become one of the most prevalent among the homeless population.