It seems like most states here in the U.S are seriously lacking affordable housing. I'm not sure how low-income housing works in other states, but here in PA even low-income isn't available for some. It's not just the number of units I'm referring to, but also the requirements someone must meet before qualifying. One of them is a sufficient credit rating. This makes no sense to me. If someone is poor, struggling to make ends meet and has developed a poor credit rating in the process, they are ineligible for public housing???? Quite a few places also won't accept someone who has been in trouble with the law.

Without rambling on, I guess my question is this: How much do you all feel a lack of affordable housing contributes to the homelessness problem in our country? And what can the average Joe do about it? Write letters to government officials? Is there a group/organization to join up with in this effort? I want to help, but I'm not sure where to start.

Thanks for listening and for any input you might have.
~Laura~