Do you have a source that suggests that mental illness/drugs do not contribute to becoming homeless?
> 21% [1] of homeless have a serious mental illness that predates their living situation
This seems to suggest that mental illness does lead to homelessness. I would agree that financial strain is a major cause of homeless, but it seems likely that this is because it leads to other behaviors that then lead to homelessness. And those behaviors are probably not exclusively caused by financial strain.
Additionally, from the conclusion of your first link (my italics added for emphasis):
> SAMHSA utilizes its national surveys and grantee data to create effective programs and services to prevent and end homelessness among people with mental and substance use disorders.
Secondly, I agree that housing is an important first step for fixing homelessness because it seems like a precondition for stability.
But this:
> For many, having a safe home is the only resource needed to get clean.
seems misguided to me. "Housing First" != exclusively housing. From your second link:
> we move people into permanent housing as quickly as possible and then provide them with supportive services (like case management, health care, substance use counseling, income coaching, and more)
> 21% [1] of homeless have a serious mental illness that predates their living situation
This seems to suggest that mental illness does lead to homelessness. I would agree that financial strain is a major cause of homeless, but it seems likely that this is because it leads to other behaviors that then lead to homelessness. And those behaviors are probably not exclusively caused by financial strain.
Additionally, from the conclusion of your first link (my italics added for emphasis):
> SAMHSA utilizes its national surveys and grantee data to create effective programs and services to prevent and end homelessness among people with mental and substance use disorders.
Secondly, I agree that housing is an important first step for fixing homelessness because it seems like a precondition for stability.
But this:
> For many, having a safe home is the only resource needed to get clean.
seems misguided to me. "Housing First" != exclusively housing. From your second link:
> we move people into permanent housing as quickly as possible and then provide them with supportive services (like case management, health care, substance use counseling, income coaching, and more)