Understanding Homelessness

Homelessness isn't just sleeping on the street. It's your neighbor losing their job, a family fleeing violence, or a medical crisis that drains savings. In Floyd County, at least 137 people experience homelessness—but the reality is much larger.

Understanding Homelessness

Types of Homelessness

  • Couch-surfing: Staying temporarily with a friend/family

  • Doubled Up: Multiple families sharing one home out of necessity

  • Car-habitatation: Living in vehicles

  • Sheltered: In emergency shelters or tents

  • Unsheltered: Sleeping outside

  • Homeless at home: Housing but lacking basic necessities

Housing Affordability

In Rome, 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent has increased 78% in just 10 years—from $670 in 2016 to $1,192 in 2026. Wages haven't kept pace.

Understanding Homelessness

Why Homelessness Happens

If you're paying more than 30% of your income for housing, you are on the edge of homelessness.

Income Stability

Low-income wage earners or those under-employed, receive wages that have not kept pace with the rising costs of housing, healthcare, transportation, and other essential resources.

Health Crisis

Medical bills are the leading cause of bankruptcy in America. A single hospitalization can wipe out savings and make rent impossible.

Substance Use Disorder

Addiction is often both a cause and a consequence of homelessness. Traditional approaches that require sobriety before housing often fail.

Escaping Violence

Domestic violence and the experience of homelessness are inextricably linked. About half of all women experiencing homelessness report that domestic violence was directly responsible for their homelessness.