The primary driver of misconceptions and stigma surrounding homeless people is the media and their pundits commentating on the state of urban life in the United States. At Uplift the Homeless Now, we're dedicated towards moving past agenda-driven and fear-inciting narratives in favor of real and substantive solutions towards reducing homelessness and building that more perfect union of our Founders' dreams. But, in order for that to take shape, we must first dispel with these myths that have come to dominate discourse surrounding the issue.

The rise of housing costs across the United States plays a significant role in exacerbating the homelessness epidemic. According to research by journalist Jason Hidalgo of the Reno Gazette-Journal, housing affordability issues have led to a surge in homelessness in cities like Reno, where the median home price has doubled in just five years. Additionally, studies conducted by Chris Glynn and others have highlighted a strong correlation between housing costs and homelessness rates in metropolitan areas.

While mental illness is prevalent among homeless populations, it is not the sole determinant of homelessness. Research by anthropologist Deborah Padgett of New York University and others has shown that mental illness often develops or worsens as a result of homelessness, rather than being the cause of it. Stigmatizing mental illness further isolates homeless individuals and prevents them from seeking help or accessing resources.

The decision to live on the streets is rarely a choice. Many factors, including housing affordability, lack of access to mental health resources, and health shocks, contribute to homelessness. According to social work professor Marah Curtis of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and economist Yingua He of Rice University, health shocks, sudden health deteriorations caused by diseases or accidents, can push vulnerable individuals into homelessness, especially in cities with high housing costs.

While homelessness is more visible in urban areas, it is a nationwide issue that affects communities of all sizes. Research by various scholars, including those mentioned above, has demonstrated that rising housing costs and limited access to affordable housing impact both urban and rural areas. Small cities like Reno, Nevada, have seen significant increases in homelessness due to skyrocketing housing prices.