Americans are rightly frustrated by the record-setting homelessness crisis. It's a moral outrage, but also a highly visible symptom of a deeper disease—a drastic shortage of affordable homes afflicting people in all parts of the country, in turn forcing hundreds of thousands into shelters, motels, and the streets.Countless studies show that homelessness and a lack of affordable housing are inextricably linked.
Department of Housing and Urban Development , we saw what is possible when federal, state, and local leaders align; total homelessness declined every single year from 2010 and 2016, and veteran homelessness was ultimately cut in half.That progress continues today. Local leaders in Houston have reduced homelessness 62 percent since 2012. In Newark, homelessness is down 57 percent. In Chattanooga, it's down 40 percent.