The document discusses homelessness in Seattle, Washington. It provides statistics that as of 2022, there were an estimated 11,751 individuals experiencing homelessness in King County, with 3,355 being unsheltered. The leading causes of homelessness are high housing costs, lack of affordable housing, and low wages. Certain demographics like people of color and those with disabilities are overrepresented among the homeless population. Potential solutions proposed to address homelessness include increasing affordable housing, providing more support services, addressing income inequality, increasing funding for homelessness services, and supporting local organizations.

1. HOMELESS IN
SEATTLE
Mohamoud Abokar
This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY.

2. STATISTICS OF
HOMELESSNESS
• As of the 2022, therewere an estimated 11,751 individuals
experiencing homelessness in King County, which includes
Seattle. Ofthose, 3,355 were unsheltered.
• The leading causes ofhomelessness in Seattleare high
housing costs, lackof affordable housing, and low wages.
• The homeless population in Seattle is diverse, with many
individuals experiencing homelessness due to a combination
of factors. However, certain demographics are
overrepresented in the homeless population.
• People of color make up a disproportionate percentage of
the homeless population. In KingCounty, Black/African
American individuals make up 25%ofthe homeless
population, while they only make up 6% of the
general population.
• People with disabilities, particularly mental illness and
substanceuse disorders, are morelikely to experience
homelessness.

3. CAUSES OF HOMELESSNESS
High housing costs: Seattle has one ofthe highest costs ofliving in the
country, and housing is no exception.
Income inequality: Seattle, like many cities, has a significant income
gap between the wealthy and the poor.
Lack of affordable housing: The shortage ofaffordable housing in
Seattle is a significant contributing factor to homelessness.
Mental illness and addiction: Many people experiencing homelessness
in Seattle struggle with mental illness and/oraddiction.
This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-ND.

4. IMPACT OF
HOMELESSNESS
Health Problems: Homelessness can lead to a range of health problems, including
malnutrition, infectious diseases, chronic illnesses, and mental health issues.
Job Loss: Homelessness can also lead to job loss or difficulty in finding employment,
making it hard for individuals to break out of the cycle of poverty and homelessness.
Public Resources: Homelessness puts a strain on public resources, such as emergency
shelters, food banks, and medical care. These resources can become overcrowded
and underfunded, making it harder for those in need to receive assistance.
Community Safety: Homelessness can also impact community safety.
Social Isolation: Homelessness can result in social isolation and a sense of
hopelessness. Homeless individuals may feel stigmatized and marginalized, leading to
decreased self-esteem and feelings of shame.

5. SOLUTIONS TO ADDRESS
HOMELESSNESS
Increase
Affordable
Housing
1
Provide Support
Services
2
Address Income
Inequality
3
Increase Funding
for Homelessness
Services
4
Support Local
Organizations:
5