Root of homelessness

Until we can identify the root causes of chronic homelessness and link such causes to dollars spent, we will continue to spend dollars wastefully on its symptoms and not these causes.

The city of Spokane, in its 2017 strategic plan, identifies 10 “reasons for homelessness” and lists such reasons including lack of income (most prevalent) to physical disability (least prevalent). Tied for second place as a reason for homelessness is drug abuse.

The S-R’s Eli Francovich, in his July 28 story, reported on a recently released study ranking Washington state eighth in the nation for homeless students. Apparently, specific causes were not identified in the study. And he quoted a state superintendent’s office spokesman who stated “a shortage of affordable housing” can lead to homeless students.

The Union Gospel Mission in its July 2017 edition of the Mission News boldly asserts “addictions don’t cause homelessness” directly contradicting what the city of Spokane has asserted. UGM concludes homelessness is caused by “adverse childhood experiences,” such as abuse, neglect, abandonment, etc.

Before taxpayer dollars are spent on issues such as homelessness, its root causes and not its symptoms should be the focus of the dollars spent.

Gordon Spunich

Spokane Valley