While homelessness is perceived as an issue only in urban areas, the problem is just as severe in rural parts of the United States. According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, more than 100,000 people are experiencing homelessness in rural areas. These people are often undercounted in homelessness surveys because they may not have access to shelters. Instead, many live in their vehicles or overcrowded housing with friends or family members.
A lack of job opportunities is a major reason people in rural areas fall into homelessness. Since resources for people who are homeless often are concentrated in urban areas, those in rural areas are less likely to find support programs near them.
