Why Don't They Just Get a Job?

One doesn't need statistics to recognize the homelessness crisis in the United States. Anyone can see it with their own eyes. Across the nation, the number of people experiencing homelessness continues to rise, while effective solutions remain elusive. According to the State of Homelessness 2025 report, "The United States experienced an unprecedented rise in homelessness, driven by the nation's affordability crisis. Homelessness increased 18 percent, from 653,104 people in 2023 to 771,480 people in 2024" (Soucy et al.). Public perceptions of homelessness are often shaped by stereotypes, with many asking, "Why don't they just get a job?" or "If they can sit outside and ask for money all day, why can't they fill out an application?" While some view homelessness as simply the absence of housing or employment, the reality is far more complex. The homelessness epidemic has deep-rooted causes that go far beyond the assumption that someone simply cannot get a job. It is often tied to a lack of available resources, mental health struggles, substance abuse, and trauma, compounded by restrictive laws and policies.

Homelessness is not only about individuals sleeping on the streets, it also creates challenges for public health, the legal system, safety, and social cohesion. Despite the millions of dollars raised to address this massive issue, current strategies are failing to create lasting solutions. Because of these wide-reaching impacts, addressing homelessness requires more than financial aid. It demands comprehensive strategies that strengthen employment opportunities, expand affordable housing, improve access to healthcare, provide addiction support, and build sustainable, long-term support systems.

One major concern related to homelessness is the trauma and addiction that often result from life on the streets. The National Coalition for the Homeless reports that "substance abuse is more prevalent among people experiencing homelessness than in the general population. Importantly, in many cases, substance abuse develops as a result of the stress of homelessness rather than the other way around" ("Substance Abuse and Homelessness"). In other words, the trauma of living without shelter can drive individuals toward substance use, demonstrating that homelessness is far more complex than stereotypes suggest. Further research supports this connection: one report found that "trauma was a factor for 68% of men and 76% of women who were homeless and in treatment for substance abuse" ("Substance Abuse and Homelessness: Statistics and Rehab Treatment"). While many assume that substance abuse leads to homelessness, in reality, homelessness often contributes to the development of addiction and increasing effects of trauma. Therefore, implementing effective substance abuse treatment and trauma-informed care within homeless communities is essential to breaking this cycle and helping individuals achieve long-term recovery. With the increasing number of people experiencing homelessness, it has become clear that there is a major disconnect between the available funding and the actual support that is needed to help all communities.

Even with supportive programs in place, many communities lack sufficient funding and resources to meet the scale of need. As Robinson explains, "Homeless services in the United States are largely grant-funded and run by a mix of private and public agencies. Because these programs operate under different funding agreements, their rules and eligibility requirements often vary" (Robinson 438). This uneven funding structure, combined with legal barriers in certain states, results in inconsistent care and limited access for many individuals experiencing homelessness. Creating a system that distributes resources methodically and proportionately would help serve more people, improve outcomes, and provide stronger, more consistent support for the homeless community.

Ultimately, the homeless community must rely on city policies and lawmakers to appropriate funds, enact effective laws, and establish support systems that address the unique needs of each city. These challenges become especially visible at the local level, where funding gaps and policy decisions directly shape how homelessness is managed. In cities like Kansas City, Missouri, the contrast between economic growth and widespread homelessness highlights how these systemic issues play out in real life.

In downtown Kansas City, home of the Chiefs and Royals, one might expect to find a thriving, bustling community. Unfortunately, parts of the city reveal another side. Driving down Arrowhead Road, it is common to encounter people asking for money, food, or shelter. As a licensed real estate agent, I understand the importance of statistics and data; however, witnessing homelessness firsthand reveals a much harsher and more emotional reality.

Kansas and Missouri are neighboring states, and what happens on one side of the state line often affects the other. Local policies and city laws sometimes make homelessness worse on both sides of the border. According to a news article published on October 1, 2025, in Wyandotte County, part of the Kansas City metro area, "people found sleeping or camping outside without a temporary permit could face fines of up to $200 and jail time of up to a month" (Shire). Criminalizing homelessness without offering alternatives is both ineffective and inhumane. Similarly, Missouri passed a law making sleeping on state-owned property a Class C misdemeanor, although the Supreme Court later struck it down.

How can it be effective to create laws that penalize people for being homeless when there are no shelters, programs, or alternative options available? Developing safe, accessible shelter options within each community is essential to helping individuals transition off the streets and rebuild their lives. The Wyandotte ordinance explains its purpose is to keep public areas "clean, sanitary and accessible to adequately protect the health, safety and public welfare of the community" (Shire). While it is understandable that such laws aim to maintain safe public spaces, they ultimately punish individuals for lacking shelter instead of addressing the underlying causes of homelessness. Treating homelessness as a crime raises serious questions about whether lawmakers are truly interested in addressing root causes or simply pushing the issue out of sight.

Researcher Megan Doede argues that effective outreach, rather than punishment, is the key to making progress in addressing homelessness. She explains, "Outreach teams that are well-resourced and empowered can connect with individuals on the streets, provide services, and build trust. This approach addresses root causes more effectively than adding new restrictions or penalties" (Doede 1446). The homeless community needs consistent, structured, and realistic support. Temporary food and shelter alone cannot solve the problem; well-organized outreach teams foster ongoing relationships and consistent communication, which are essential for long-term solutions. It is important to help individuals experiencing homelessness rebuild their trust in society. Losing everything can be deeply traumatic, and restoring that trust will require compassion, consistent communication, and genuine care.

Overall, it is clear that our communities and government can develop more effective solutions than those currently in place. Programs such as rehabilitation services, fair and inclusive laws, and expanded access to homeless shelters are just a few ways to provide meaningful support. Homelessness is not merely a local problem, it is a national crisis deeply connected to substance abuse, economic instability, and insufficient support systems. Criminalizing poverty will never solve the issue. Meaningful progress requires compassion, strategic planning, and sustained investment in long-term solutions. If short-term fixes continue to dominate, homelessness will only increase. By implementing comprehensive programs that address housing, healthcare, substance abuse treatment, and employment, we can create pathways for stability and dignity for the homeless community, ultimately strengthening society as a whole.