Housing
Transition Phases

This interactive infographic explores the seven phases of housing transitions, from unsheltered living to stable, self-funded housing, highlighting the challenges individuals face at each stage.

Transitional Sheltering: In 2022, 233,832 people were unsheltered, seeking refuge in public spaces (HUD).
Improvised Sheltering: 20% of homeless individuals built makeshift shelters (LAHSA).
Tent Communities: Over 3,000 people lived in tent encampments in Seattle (Seattle.gov).
Vehicle Residency: 58,458 people used vehicles as their primary shelter (HUD).
Shelter Accommodation: 326,126 people stayed in organized shelters (AHAR).
Temporary Co-Habitation: 4.2 million people lived with family or friends temporarily (HUD).
Self-Funded Temporary Housing: 500,000 individuals used self-funded housing while working toward permanent homes (HUD).

These figures illustrate the housing crisis's complexity and the diverse paths toward stability.

Why it Matters

HomeWorks Homes addresses a critical and growing need for affordable, sustainable housing solutions for those being influenced by homeless instability.

Housing Affordability

One of the major issues creating housing instability is the ratio of rising rents to income. The Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University, Found the following about the affordability of housing:

In recent decades, rents have dramatically outpaced renter household incomes. Between 2001 and 2022, the median rent increased by 21 percent, while the median renter household income increased by just 2 percent, after adjusting for inflation. The median rent for middle-income households earning between $30,000 and $74,999 increased by a sizeable 18 percent (to $1,300), while the median rent for households earning less than $30,000 grew by 14 percent (to $940). Although lower-income households experienced the smallest increase in median rents, this is a group for whom housing is persistently unaffordable; in 2022, 83% of renter households earning less than $30,000 were cost burdened.

Sustainable Housing Solutions

While economist agree that families should spend only 30% of their income on housing and utilities, families that live in the countries' lower income brace pays 40% or more for their stand living necessities. Although sustainable and affordable housing solutions are vital, especially in areas like San Diego, the increase in living costs have resulted in a homeless population of around 10,000 people in 2023 (HUD, 2023). HomeWorks Homes integrates eco-friendly building practices that reduce future costs for homeowners and lessen environmental strain. By focusing on sustainability, HomeWorks Homes ensures its housing projects address not only the current housing instability crisis; but environmental challenges as well.

Rising Homelessness Nationwide

Housing instability is a pressing issue in many states. Alabama (whose minimum wage is $7.25 p/h) experienced a 15% rise in homelessness from 2022 to 2023 due to economic challenges and a shortage of affordable housing (EndHomelessness.org, 2023). Phoenix, Arizona, now has around 9,000 homeless individuals, primarily driven by rising housing costs (HUD, 2023).

Housing instability continues to rise across the U.S., especially in states like California, where the homeless population increased from approximately 136,826 in 2013 to around 173,800 in 2023, driven by housing costs and economic instability (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, HUD, 2023). Arizona saw a sharp rise in unsheltered homelessness in Maricopa County, with a 33% increase from 2022 to 2023 due to rising housing costs and a lack of shelter space (EndHomelessness.org, 2023). HomeWorks Homes fills the gap by offering affordable market rate housing opportunities to individuals earning at least 30k per year giving them the chance to move from unstable living situations into stable homeownership.

Transition to Homeownership

The path to homeownership from is complex and varies by region. Los Angeles saw a homeless population of approximately 65,000 in 2023, many of whom remain unsheltered due to the severe lack of affordable housing options (HUD, 2023). Programs like HomeWorks Homes help bridge this gap by addressing immediate shelter needs while providing a structured plan toward homeownership. In cities like San Francisco and New York City, where homelessness remains a deep-rooted issue, these transitional housing models are critical to reducing long-term homelessness (HUD, 2023).

Breaking Housing Instability

Housing instability is like a game of Jenga—remove one crucial piece, such as missing a payment, and the entire structure can collapse, often leading to homelessness. In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 15% of renters are behind on their rent, and studies show that just a single missed payment can significantly increase the risk of eviction and homelessness. At HomeWorks Homes, we understand the precarious nature of housing stability. While no solution is perfect, we work to put some of the blocks back together by offering affordable homeownership options and financial guidance. Our goal is to provide support when it’s needed most, helping individuals transition from uncertainty to long-term stability and homeownership.

EXPLORE HOMELESSNESS OVER THE LAST DECADE

Our Interactive Homelessness Map offers a comprehensive view of homelessness trends across the U.S. over the past decade. States are color-coded to highlight the direction and magnitude of changes in their homeless populations, revealing regional patterns and challenges. Red indicates a homelessness increase of more than 10%, often driven by rising housing costs and economic instability. Orange marks a slight increase of 5-10%, reflecting housing affordability pressures. Blue shows a decrease of over 5%, signaling the success of housing policies and support programs, while purple highlights a modest decrease of 1-5%. Green represents stability, with homelessness rates changing by less than 1%, and gray indicates neutral trends, where fluctuations are minimal but progress remains elusive.

Housing Transition Phases