Rural Housing and Homelessness

Abstract

This chapter discusses issues regarding rural housing and homelessness in small communities in the United States. Housing concerns and homelessness are more easily recognized in urban areas; the social problems they cause for rural communities are less well known. The availability of quality, affordable housing is crucial to individuals and families on limited incomes. Without affordable housing, the cost of housing consumes so much income that other basic human needs may have to go unmet. Substandard housing can be hazardous, and in communities with a shortage of quality housing, substandard housing may be the only option for a place to live. For years, the rate of building new rural housing units has not met demand. Residents in rural areas tend to have lower incomes, rural housing tends to be older, there are more substandard dwelling units, and there are fewer housing options. These factors contribute to people having to pay higher rents for substandard housing, divert income from essentials such as food and health care, live in overcrowded living conditions, and make frequent moves; they also lead to increased homelessness. Rural homelessness is frequently overlooked because it appears different from urban homelessness. And rural communities have few services for the homeless. The social work interventions suggested in this chapter are development of community partnerships and educating to increase acceptance to apply for state and federal housing grants to improve or renovate substandard housing units.