CROSS POINT: Addressing the housing crisis is a good first step toward ending homelessness

More than half a million people face homelessness on a given night. It’s no secret that the U.S is facing a growing affordable housing crisis as rent continues to skyrocket outpacing household incomes, and it’s time we do something.

The reasons for homelessness are clear. Rising costs of living and lack of affordable housing have reached epidemic levels. Homelessness is often caused by tragic life occurrences like the loss of loved ones, lack of employment, and domestic violence. Health issues like depression, untreated mental illness, post-traumatic stress disorder, and physical disabilities are also responsible for a large portion of the homeless population.

For those living in deep poverty or close to the poverty line, an "everyday" life issue manageable for individuals with a higher income can be the deciding factor in housing instability. For instance, a broken-down vehicle, missed work to care for a sick child, or even unpaid tickets could put a family on the streets.

We can get off to a good start in tackling this problem by expanding affordable housing opportunities at the federal, state, and local level. And investing in permanent support of housing and rent controls.

Let’s get to the point: There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to addressing the housing crisis, but acknowledging and finding solutions to the root causes of homelessness in addition to providing affordable housing are worthwhile policy measures to end this epidemic.