About Homelessness

Homelessness is a complex problem, fraught with many associated challenges and variables. But for all of its complications, the solution to homelessness is surprisingly simple – housing.

Often, we get questions about the big issues: who, where, why, and what can we do?

In this section, we approach some of those big-picture questions about the American homeless population and how we – as individuals invested and interested in improving our community – can work to end homelessness.


  • Snapshot of Homelessness
    Understanding homelessness requires a grasp of several social issues: poverty, affordable housing, disabilities, and others.
  • FAQs
    The Alliance has compiled a list of frequently asked questions for quick answers to common queries about homelessness.
  • Interactive Tools + Solutions
    The Homelessness Research Institute has developed interactive maps, calculators, and charts to improve understanding of concepts related to ending homelessness.
  • Cost of Homelessness
    Homelessness can be surprisingly costly for taxpayers. Fortunately, socially-responsible, cost-effective solutions exist.