There are too many connection issues that have caused homelessness to escalate from a lifestyle that was really only experienced by middle-aged individuals with a substance abuse problem, to a condition that is endured every day by a heterogeneous number of people. The 2013 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress reveals that 36% of the homeless population were individuals from families, over half of whom were children, 17.8% were chronically homeless and about 10% homeless. made up of veterans. The only way the government will end homelessness is to address all the economic, social and health factors that fuel the homelessness epidemic. The economic component of the homeless situation can be resolved by dividing it into two related parts: housing affordability and low income rate. The economic downturn that followed the 2007 financial crisis left many people unemployed in a period that saw a surge in house prices. So not only has the cost of living increased, but the income rate has also decreased accordingly. Not surprisingly, during these same years, homelessness increased from 24.2% in 2007 to 29.4% in 2009 (quote). The government has the power to help reduce the risk of becoming economically homeless. Nan Roman, president of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, points out that to end homelessness, the government could make housing more accessible to low-income families “or find a way to supplement people's income through vouchers or tax credits” (qtd. in Housing the Homeless). This would mean that even if one person, or an entire family, lost their primary source of income, they would still have the me...... middle of paper. ... ..is to understand the factors that lead people to become homeless, that keep them Homeless advocates have proposed policies that range from taking preventative measures, such as making housing and healthcare accessible, to policies that they address people who are already homeless, such as rapidly rehousing and redefining what it means to be homeless. While many experts disagree on how the homelessness epidemic should be handled, many recognize that the federal government plays an indispensable role in helping the homeless. The problem of homelessness is, of course, complex, but like all difficult issues it must be addressed. It has become clear that homelessness is not something that will eradicate over time, homelessness will continue to grow and evolve unless an outside force stops it in its tracks..