Daria had always been a survivor. As a child, she bounced around the foster care system, never staying in one place long enough to call it home. The constant instability taught her to be wary, always on alert, and to never expect too much. At 14, she ran away from yet another abusive foster family, a man and his wife who promised her safety, love, and a new family. But those promises were lies. She didn’t remember when the nightly visits to her room had begun but she knew the first time that it wouldn’t be the last time and she had started plotting her escape that very night.
By the time she turned 18, Daria was released from the foster care system, but the world outside was no kinder. She had no ID, no education, no family or friends. She didn’t exist on paper, and in many ways, she felt like she didn’t exist at all. She drifted into survival sex work on the streets—sometimes trading sex for money, sometimes just for a meal or a safe place to sleep. Each day was a fight for survival, and each night was haunted by memories she’d rather forget.
It had only been a few months since Daria escaped her last intimate partner—a man who started out kind but quickly controlled her with the same brutal intensity as her traffickers once had. She had planned her exit meticulously, packing a single bag over two weeks, hiding money in the lining of her worn-out shoes. When she finally left, it felt like both a victory and a failure. She was free, but once again she had nothing.
The domestic violence shelter where she ended up had been a small mercy, providing her with medical care and a brief sense of stability. But it was always temporary. Ninety days—that was the limit. She had pleaded with the staff, but rules were rules. She was told she could come back after a week if there was room. When she returned, desperate and tired, they turned her away. They were full. Try again tomorrow, they had said. She’d tried every night since. She was told to be hopeful. She wasn’t.
Now, she was back on the streets, carrying everything she owned in a faded backpack. The harsh Florida sun beat down on her, and the oppressive heat sapped the energy from her bones. Homelessness was more than a state of being—it was a relentless, grinding struggle against invisibility, hunger, and fear.
She positioned herself outside of gas stations and convenience stores, where she blended into the crowd. Police cruised by regularly, and the last thing she needed was to get arrested for loitering. Getting arrested meant losing the few things she had managed to hold onto. Each day, she walked miles trying to find places to sleep, bathe, and eat without attracting too much attention. She’d become skilled at disappearing—at being there but not being seen.
She kept her head down and did what she had to do. A few dollars here, a sandwich there. It wasn’t much, but it kept her going. Sometimes, when she was lucky, she’d get enough to buy herself a cheap motel room for the night. Those nights were precious—moments when she could finally sleep without fear of being robbed, assaulted, or worse.
Daria wrapped her arms around herself, feeling the chill of the coming darkness. She didn’t know what tomorrow would bring—if the shelter would have room, if she would make it through another day. But she was still here. Still fighting. Still surviving.
And somehow, despite everything, that had to be enough.
How did we get here?
Over the past 20 years, the homeless shelter situation in the United States has been characterized by growing demand and strained resources. As homelessness has increased due to factors like rising housing costs, economic inequality, and the opioid crisis, shelters across the country have struggled to keep up. Many cities have seen shelters overwhelmed, with limited capacity forcing people to sleep on the streets or in unsafe conditions. While some municipalities have expanded shelter services or introduced temporary solutions like emergency warming centers, these efforts often fall short of addressing long-term needs. Additionally, shelters have faced criticism for their strict rules, lack of privacy, and unsafe environments, which can deter individuals, especially families or vulnerable populations, from seeking refuge. Despite some efforts to increase funding and reform systems, the gap between available shelter beds and the growing homeless population remains a persistent issue.
Homelessness is often perceived as a situation of financial deprivation, but the cost of surviving without a stable home can be surprisingly high. For those who experience homelessness, every day is a struggle not only to meet basic needs but also to navigate the hidden expenses associated with life on the streets. From acquiring food and clothing to securing safety and mobility, being homeless comes with significant financial, emotional, and physical costs.
As of recent estimates, the number of shelter beds available in the United States each night is approximately 600,000. This number includes beds in emergency shelters, transitional housing, and safe havens. However, the actual number can fluctuate based on factors like funding, seasonal programs (e.g., winter warming centers), and local policies. Despite this capacity, the U.S. still faces a significant shortfall, with over 580,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Many people are left unsheltered due to limited availability, strict entry requirements, or personal safety concerns within shelters.
The Daily Struggle for Survival
While food might seem accessible through shelters, food banks, or donations, it can be inconsistent and insufficient. The lack of refrigeration, cooking facilities, and a reliable food supply adds another layer of complexity. Homeless individuals often rely on convenience stores or fast food outlets, which can be costly compared to cooking at home. With no access to a kitchen, homeless people frequently purchase pre-packaged, processed foods, which are more expensive and less nutritious than home-cooked meals. A fast food meal, which might be the most affordable option, can cost around $5-$10. While public water fountains exist, they aren’t always accessible or well-maintained. Some homeless or underhoused individuals resort to buying bottled water, which, at $1-$2 per bottle, becomes a recurring expense.
Shelter and Safety: More than Just a Roof
Finding safe, reliable shelter is a significant challenge. While shelters provide temporary refuge, they often have limited space, rigid entry rules, or unsafe conditions that can deter individuals from using them. Some unhoused individuals choose to sleep in cars, tents, or on the streets to avoid the dangers or constraints of overcrowded shelters.
For those who manage to scrape together enough money, motels or budget hotels become temporary shelters. In urban areas, even low-cost motels can charge $50 or more per night. Renting a storage unit to keep belongings safe can also add to expenses, with monthly fees ranging from $30 to $150, depending on the size and location. People without homes regularly face violence, theft, and harassment. Some people may feel compelled to buy self-defense tools, such as pepper spray, or spend money to stay in safer areas of town. Paying for public transportation to safer areas or even bribing someone for protection are often the hidden costs associated with staying safe on the streets.
Hygiene and Health: A Constant Uphill Battle
Maintaining hygiene and addressing health concerns can be particularly difficult for homeless individuals. Public restrooms are often hard to access, and many shelters or organizations providing showers may not be conveniently located or regularly available. Poor hygiene, in turn, exacerbates health issues, creating a vicious cycle. Purchasing basic hygiene items—like soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and feminine hygiene products—becomes a recurring expense for homeless individuals. These items, which may cost anywhere from $10-$20 per month, are essential to maintaining dignity and preventing health problems. Many people have to buy single-use or travel-sized products due to limited storage, which are disproportionately expensive over time compared to bulk purchases.
People experiencing homelessness are at higher risk for a range of health issues, from infections to chronic conditions like diabetes and mental health disorders. Without consistent access to healthcare, they often rely on emergency rooms for treatment, which can lead to costly medical bills they cannot pay. Additionally, acquiring medications, such as insulin, inhalers, or antibiotics, often means out-of-pocket costs that many people simply cannot afford. The trauma of exploitation, compounded by existing mental health challenges and homelessness, often goes untreated. Access to mental health services is limited, and without stable addresses or health insurance, homeless individuals may be forced to pay out-of-pocket for therapy, counseling, or medication. These expenses can be debilitating, especially when combined with other survival costs.
Transportation: The Cost of Getting Around
Mobility is essential for surviving homelessness, whether it's for finding food, work, shelter, or healthcare. Public transportation is often the primary mode of travel for homeless individuals, and in many cities, transportation can be a significant expense.
Public Transportation such as bus and train fares vary depending on the city but typically range from $2 to $3 per trip. Homeless individuals who need to travel daily to access services or look for work can end up spending $50 or more a month just to get around. For some, bicycles become a primary means of transportation. However, buying and maintaining a bike comes with upfront costs (about $100-$200 for a basic used bike), as well as the risk of theft, which is particularly high for homeless people.
While some unsheltered individuals live in their cars, this also entails significant costs. Car maintenance, gas, and parking fees add up quickly. Furthermore, having a car without insurance can lead to hefty fines, and failure to pay for repairs or registration can result in losing the vehicle altogether.
Employment and Financial Barriers
One of the most significant obstacles to escaping homelessness is securing employment. Homelessness itself creates a barrier to work, as many employers require a stable address, phone number, and access to transportation—things that homeless people may not have.
Job searching requires access to the internet, a phone, and transportation to attend interviews. Public libraries offer free internet, but many homeless individuals must still pay for phone service or transport, which adds to their daily costs and can make even looking for a job unaffordable.
Looking presentable for job interviews is another financial hurdle. Clothes, shoes, haircuts, and grooming supplies are essential to making a good impression, yet they are difficult to afford when struggling with basic survival.
Increased Vulnerability to Violence and Exploitation
Homeless or underhoused sex workers and trafficking survivors face heightened risks of violence, assault, and exploitation due to their marginalized position. This often means incurring "costs" related to physical and emotional safety. Many are forced to rely on unsafe environments or dangerous individuals for temporary shelter or protection, which can lead to further trauma, coercion, or forced labor. Surviving in this environment may require paying for transportation to safer areas, self-defense tools, or even seeking out temporary “protection” from others, who may demand money or services in return.
Legal Costs and Criminalization
Homeless sex workers and survivors are often criminalized for activities related to their survival, including sex work, loitering, or trespassing. Arrests, fines, and legal fees can add up quickly, trapping them in cycles of debt and making it even harder to escape homelessness. Additionally, once involved with the criminal justice system, having a record can severely limit access to housing, employment, and government assistance, creating long-term barriers to stability. The costs of dealing with arrests or legal violations can also include court fees, bail payments, and the cost of losing essential work time due to legal proceedings.
Barriers to Health Services and Recovery
Trafficking survivors and homeless or underhoused sex workers often face severe health challenges, including trauma, untreated mental health issues, and are often suffering from underlying medical conditions that go untreated. Access to healthcare is often limited due to a lack of identification, insurance, or stable addresses, leading to an over-reliance on emergency services, which are costly and unsustainable. Stigma and discrimination from healthcare providers can deter individuals from seeking help, leaving them with untreated injuries, chronic illnesses, or addiction-related health issues. These health-related "costs" can result in long-term physical and mental deterioration, trapping individuals in cycles of poor health and homelessness.
Social and Emotional Costs
While the financial costs of homelessness are daunting, the emotional and psychological toll is equally profound. The stress of not knowing where you'll sleep, find food, or protect yourself takes a heavy toll on mental health. Homeless individuals often face social stigma, discrimination, and exclusion. The emotional cost of losing connections with family and friends, compounded by the daily struggles of survival, leads to feelings of loneliness and despair. Many homeless people have experienced trauma before becoming homeless, such as domestic violence or childhood abuse. The experience of being homeless further exacerbates these traumas, making it even harder to seek help or recover.
The Hidden Costs of Homelessness on Society
While individuals bear the brunt of homelessness, there are broader societal costs as well. The increased use of emergency services, healthcare, and policing related to homelessness comes at a high cost to communities. Without effective interventions to address the root causes of homelessness, these costs continue to rise, affecting everyone. Homelessness is often perceived as a situation of financial deprivation, but the cost of surviving without a stable home can be surprisingly high. Emergency room visits, hospital stays, and mental health crises among the homeless strain public healthcare systems. Taxpayer money often goes toward addressing the immediate, but not long-term, needs of homeless individuals. Homeless people are frequently arrested for minor offenses like loitering or trespassing. This over-reliance on the criminal justice system to address homelessness leads to overcrowded jails and added pressure on law enforcement, rather than focusing on solutions like housing and support services.
Are Housing First Initiatives Working?
Housing First initiatives are transformative programs that prioritize providing people experiencing homelessness with permanent housing as the first step toward stability, without requiring preconditions such as sobriety or employment. These programs recognize that safe and secure housing is a fundamental human need, and once individuals have a stable living situation, they are better equipped to address other challenges like mental health, addiction, or unemployment. Housing First has proven to be highly effective, particularly for those facing chronic homelessness or mental health issues, by reducing time spent on the streets and decreasing the use of costly emergency services. By offering immediate access to housing alongside supportive services like counseling, healthcare, and job training, Housing First creates a pathway for individuals to rebuild their lives with dignity and independence. Expanding these initiatives is critical to breaking the cycle of homelessness and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity for a stable, healthy future.
But regardless of the success Housing First initiatives have had, they remain underfunded, under resourced and desperately slow to respond. If one is lucky and fits into the narrow criteria for accelerated attention, it can take as much as 6 weeks to even get an intake completed at a Housing First provider and up to 10 years for a housing voucher.
The persistence of homelessness in the United States, despite numerous programs and efforts, highlights a systemic failure to address its root causes and long-term solutions. As shelters struggle with capacity and limited funding, many of the most vulnerable people remain caught in an unrelenting cycle of displacement and insecurity. While approaches like Housing First have shown promise, their limited reach and slow implementation leave countless individuals without the stable foundation needed to rebuild their lives. Addressing homelessness requires more than temporary fixes—it calls for a fundamental commitment to accessible, affordable housing, comprehensive support services, and a societal shift in viewing housing as a human right rather than a privilege. Only then can we begin to close the gap between need and resources, ensuring that no one is left behind in the struggle for safety and stability.
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