> This is the bigger problem. The lack of housing supply is a primary root cause of homelessness.
It could be, but in most west coast cities, it is not. Mental health issues and addiction are the primary causes of homelessness.
I hardly think the guy waving a metal pipe around while schizophrenic is homeless because he missed a few payments on his $3200/mo rent.
To clarify, I think that:
1. There is a housing crisis - both availability and affordability
2. Lack of housing caused the housing crisis
3. Lack of housing is caused by NIMBYs preventing new housing and California's Prop 13 which reduces the incentives for cities to build new housing.
4. Some people are homeless because they cannot afford housing.
However,
Mental health issues are the reason for violent, mentally ill people being on the streets. Given their issues with addiction and illness, they would not be able to hold a job or afford even $500/mo rent.
The links you pointed to aren't convincing. They are links to a blog that links to sources such as Fox News and Business Insider.
It could be, but in most west coast cities, it is not. Mental health issues and addiction are the primary causes of homelessness. I hardly think the guy waving a metal pipe around while schizophrenic is homeless because he missed a few payments on his $3200/mo rent.