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In the world’s wealthiest country, housing insecurity is a persistent crisis, and evictions are a major driver of homelessness. Every year, hundreds of thousands of Americans are evicted from their homes, often with little warning and few legal protections. These evictions are not merely legal actions—they are devastating personal losses that disrupt lives, fracture families, and contribute to an ever-growing homelessness crisis.

The narrative of homelessness is often associated with substance abuse, mental illness, or unemployment. While these factors do play a role for some, the reality for millions is more mundane and alarming: people are losing their homes simply because they cannot afford to stay in them. Rent hikes, stagnant wages, job losses, medical emergencies, or a missed paycheck can turn stable housing into a distant memory. And once someone is evicted, the road back to secure housing becomes exponentially more difficult.

This article explores the growing connection between eviction and homelessness in the United States, shedding light on its causes, consequences, and the urgent need for reform.

The Scale of the Crisis

According to the Eviction Lab at Princeton University, more than 3.6 million eviction cases are filed in the United States each year. This figure likely underestimates the total number of forced moves, as informal evictions—when landlords pressure or coerce tenants to leave without going to court—are common and rarely tracked.

In 2023, post-pandemic eviction filings surged as federal and local moratoriums expired. The hardest-hit cities—such as Houston, Atlanta, Las Vegas, and Phoenix—saw eviction rates climb back to or exceed pre-pandemic levels. The result? A rising tide of homelessness.

The National Low Income Housing Coalition estimates a shortfall of more than 7 million affordable and available rental homes for extremely low-income renters. In many cities, the cost of rent far exceeds what a minimum-wage worker can afford. The situation becomes even more dire for those who live paycheck to paycheck, as even a brief financial disruption can lead to eviction.

Who Gets Evicted?

Eviction does not affect all Americans equally. It disproportionately impacts:

Low-income renters: Nearly 80% of those evicted earn below the federal poverty line.
Single mothers, especially Black women: In many urban areas, Black women face eviction rates double those of white renters.
Communities of color: Systemic inequalities in housing, employment, and lending practices have made people of color more vulnerable to eviction.
Disabled and elderly renters: Fixed incomes, rising medical costs, and lack of support make these groups particularly at risk.
Children: Nearly 30% of those affected by eviction are minors. The trauma of housing instability can lead to lifelong consequences in education, health, and emotional well-being.

From Eviction to Homelessness

The link between eviction and homelessness is direct and devastating. When someone is evicted:

They often lose not just their home, but also their community, access to schools, transportation, and employment.
Evictions damage credit reports, making it harder to secure another rental.
Many landlords refuse to rent to anyone with an eviction on their record, regardless of the circumstances.
Shelters are frequently full or unsafe, and emergency housing programs are underfunded and overwhelmed.

As a result, many evicted individuals and families are left with few options: doubling up with friends or relatives, sleeping in cars, or ending up in encampments or shelters. In 2023, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reported over 650,000 people experiencing homelessness, with a growing number citing recent eviction as the cause.

The Domino Effect of Eviction

Eviction is not just a housing issue—it has ripple effects across every area of life:

1. Health

Evicted individuals face significantly worse mental and physical health outcomes. Studies have shown increased rates of depression, anxiety, and chronic illnesses following eviction. Stress, exposure to the elements, and lack of access to stable healthcare compound these problems.

2. Employment

Losing housing can also mean losing a job. The stress of eviction, missed work during court proceedings, and the logistical nightmare of moving under duress can disrupt even the most stable employment.

3. Education

Children who experience eviction are more likely to miss school, change schools frequently, and fall behind academically. The instability makes it harder for them to concentrate, and they often experience emotional trauma that can last for years.

4. Public Spending

Eviction and its aftermath are costly for cities and states. Homelessness leads to increased spending on shelters, emergency services, healthcare, and law enforcement. Preventing eviction is almost always more cost-effective than addressing its consequences.

Personal Stories: The Human Face of Eviction

Maria’s Story – Single Mother in Detroit

Maria, a mother of two, had been living in her apartment for five years when she lost her job during the pandemic. Despite scraping together unemployment benefits and side gigs, she fell behind on rent. When Michigan’s eviction moratorium expired, her landlord filed for eviction. Within weeks, she and her children were out on the street.

“I packed up my kids’ clothes and some photos, and we slept in our car for two weeks,” she said. “I applied for housing help, but the waitlist was months long. No one wanted to rent to me with an eviction on my record.”

James’ Story – Veteran in Las Vegas

James, a 52-year-old Navy veteran, lived in a modest apartment on a disability pension. After his rent increased by 40% in a single year, he couldn’t keep up. He was evicted despite appealing to a housing nonprofit for help.

“I served my country, and now I sleep under a bridge,” he said. “That eviction was the end. It was like a door slammed shut behind me, and there’s no way back in.”

Structural Causes of Eviction

Evictions do not occur in a vacuum. They are a symptom of larger systemic issues, including:

1. Lack of Affordable Housing

The private market fails to supply affordable units at the rate needed. Developers prioritize high-end housing because it yields higher returns, while public housing programs remain underfunded.

2. Stagnant Wages

While housing costs have soared, wages—especially for service workers—have remained largely stagnant. A full-time minimum-wage worker cannot afford a one-bedroom apartment in 99% of U.S. counties.

3. Weak Tenant Protections

In many states, eviction proceedings can be initiated with just a few days’ notice. Tenants often lack legal representation, while landlords almost always have attorneys.

4. Speculative Real Estate Practices

Wall Street-backed landlords and real estate investment trusts (REITs) are increasingly buying up single-family homes and apartment complexes, often leading to aggressive rent hikes and evictions.

Solutions and Policy Proposals

1. Right to Counsel

Providing free legal representation to tenants in eviction court has proven effective. In New York City, a Right to Counsel program reduced evictions by over 30%.

2. Universal Rental Assistance

Expanding programs like Section 8 and emergency rental assistance could help bridge the gap for struggling tenants before eviction occurs.

3. Rent Control and Stabilization

Capping rent increases and providing long-term tenant protections can help keep people in their homes, particularly in rapidly gentrifying neighborhoods.

4. Eviction Record Sealing

Legislation to seal or expunge eviction records after a certain time could prevent long-term consequences that trap people in a cycle of poverty.

5. Affordable Housing Investment

The federal government and local municipalities must increase funding for the development and maintenance of affordable and supportive housing options.

6. Landlord Accountability

Enforcing housing codes, regulating corporate landlords, and penalizing illegal or retaliatory evictions can help level the playing field for tenants.

The Moral Imperative

At its core, eviction is not just a legal or economic issue—it is a moral one. In a country of abundant wealth and resources, no one should be without a safe place to live. The eviction crisis reveals deep cracks in the foundation of the American Dream and calls into question a system that prioritizes profit over people.

It is often said that a society should be judged by how it treats its most vulnerable. If that is true, then America has serious work to do.

Conclusion

Evictions are not isolated incidents—they are part of a larger housing system that is failing millions. They are both a cause and a consequence of poverty, reinforcing inequality and fueling a cycle of homelessness that affects individuals, families, and entire communities.

But this crisis is not inevitable. It is the result of policy choices, economic structures, and social priorities. By investing in prevention, reforming eviction laws, and building affordable housing, we can turn the tide.

Homelessness due to eviction is a national emergency. It demands compassion, courage, and immediate action. Because when someone loses their home, we all lose something fundamental: our sense of shared humanity.