Homelessness was not recognized as a profound social problem until the 1980's. During that period several economic and social changes converged. These included a decrease in the availability of affordable housing, a lag in the growth of livable wages, the closing of institutions that had served the mentally ill and substance abusers, and an increased number of discharges from correctional institutions. These factors joined to create a dramatic increase in the number of individuals facing homelessness. Since then, homelessness has become a critical problem that demands community attention. Homelessness continues to spiral out of control. Support our One Million & One Campaign to help fight the homelessness cause.