Understanding the Complexities of Homelessness in the United States: Trends, Disparities, and Undercounting in the Homeless Population.

Which of the following statements regarding homelessness is true? It is easy to obtain an accurate count of the homeless in the United States. Hispanic Americans make up the largest part of the homeless population. Families and children are the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population in both urban and rural areas of this country. Social scientists believe that characteristics such as alcoholism or mental illness often cause an individual’s homeless condition.

Families and children are the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population in both urban and rural areas of this country.

The statement “Families and children are the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population in both urban and rural areas of this country” is true. On the other hand, it is not easy to obtain an accurate count of the homeless in the United States, and Hispanic Americans do not make up the largest part of the homeless population.

Counting the homeless is difficult because many do not stay in shelters or other formal programs. The annual Point-In-Time (PIT) count conducted by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) attempts to count the homeless, however, it is not a comprehensive measure and is likely an undercount.

According to the National Coalition for the Homelessness, families with children are the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population in the United States. They make up about 33% of the homeless population. Additionally, African Americans make up a disproportionate percentage of the homeless population, while Hispanic Americans represent a smaller share than their percentage of the total population.

Furthermore, social scientists argue that homelessness is caused by a combination of structural and personal factors such as poverty, lack of affordable housing, unemployment, mental illness, substance abuse, domestic violence, among other factors. While alcoholism or mental illness may contribute to an individual’s homelessness, they are usually not the sole cause.

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