Homelessness in Cleveland Homelessness in Cleveland, Ohio, has recently been on the rise due to many related causes, which have a significant impact on the community and economy. Homelessness first became prevalent throughout Cleveland in the decades before Cleveland emerged as an industrial center. Sailors and dock workers, as were the canal and railroad workers, were unemployed when the port closed in the winter. These workers became some of the first homeless in Cleveland. Major Justin Bibb has initiated efforts to solve this issue by creating a plan. This plan aims to house the most vulnerable individuals. This approach nearly mimics Houston, a city that has housed around 30,000 homeless people since 2012. However, Cleveland faces challenges …show more content…
According to Quarles, “The rent is continually rising, and wages are not matching that increase.” In this, the number of available beds has decreased by 444 units in the past decade. It is common for shelters to run out of space, especially during the colder months. Shelters and other programs for the homeless often are not flexible enough to accommodate working people. Finally, an acute physical or behavioral health crisis or any long-term disabling condition may lead to homelessness; 31 percent of the homeless population reported having a serious mental illness. The consequences of homelessness are far more than just a lack of housing, homeless individuals face numerous health issues, including having a life expectancy 30 years shorter than usual. Homelessness can lead to serious medical conditions, mental health issues, and substance abuse without access to healthcare. As a result, the homeless are 3 to 6 times more likely to suffer from preventable illnesses. This also allows illness to spread much quicker among individuals living in crowded shelters or on the streets. Economically, homeless people have an even greater