The Reality of Homelessness in the NW Suburbs
There are over 3,000 reported cases of homelessness in all of suburban Cook County*. In the Northwest Suburbs alone, there are 1,200 homeless people accessing shelters with approximately 400 additional homeless people residing on streets, in cars, and throughout forest preserves.
Homelessness does not discriminate and can be chronic or situational. It affects a variety of people including youth, families with children, single/married adults, and senior citizens. A large number of homeless have served in the armed forces. Many times these individuals have no healthy support system.
Diverse educational backgrounds are found among the homeless, ranging from no education to post-graduate degrees.
Frequently Reported Reasons for Homelessness
- Lack of affordable housing
- Mental illness
- Chemical dependency
- Substance abuse
- Family problems
- Poverty
- Bad luck
- Disability
- Domestic violence
- Condemned housing
* Source: Illinois Coalition to End Homelessness
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