There are too many connection issues that have shifted homelessness from a way of life that was really only experienced by middle-aged people with a substance abuse problem, a condition endured daily by a diverse number of people. The 2013 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress found that 36 percent of the homeless population was made up of people in families - more than half of whom were children - 17.8 percent were chronically homeless and about 10 percent were chronically homeless. composed of veterans. The only way for the Government to end homelessness is to address all of the economic, societal and health factors that fuel the homelessness epidemic. The economic component of the homelessness situation can be broken down into two interrelated parts. : affordable housing and a low income rate. The economic recession that followed the 2007 financial crisis left many people unemployed at a time of soaring property prices. So, not only has the cost of living increased, but the income rate has also decreased accordingly. Not surprisingly, during these same years, homelessness increased from 24.2 percent in 2007 to 29.4 percent in 2009 (quote). The government has the power to help reduce the risk of economic homelessness. Nan Roman, president of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, points out that to end homelessness, the government could make housing more affordable for low-income families "or find a way to supplement the people's income through vouchers or tax credits. " (quoted in Housing the Homeless). This would mean that even if a person, or an entire family, lost their primary source of income, they would still have the me...... middle of paper .... ..est to understand the factors that lead people to homelessness, that keep them homeless, and how they can recover from homelessness Advocates for the homeless have proposed policies ranging from taking preventative measures, such as. making housing and health care affordable, to policies that address people who are already homeless, such as rapid rehousing and redefining what it means to be homeless Although many experts disagree on how. to manage the homeless epidemic, many recognize that the federal government plays an inexhaustible role in helping people experiencing homelessness Homelessness is obviously a complex problem, but like any difficult problem, it must be. addressed It has become clear that homelessness is not something that will be eradicated over time, homelessness will continue to grow and evolve unless an external force stops it in its tracks. momentum..