Quiz: How Well Do You Understand the Homelessness Crisis?

An online questionnaire illuminates the root causes of homelessness, debunking some common myths about unhoused people in America.

1 minute read

March 2, 2023, 5:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Los Angeles Protest

Ringo Chiu / Shutterstock

A new interactive quiz from the Urban Institute’s Housing Matters Initiative tests your knowledge about the homelessness crisis in America, offering valuable insights along the way.

The quiz traces the history of the modern crisis to its roots in the 1980s, “when the number of renters with low incomes started to greatly outpace the number of available affordable housing units.” 

In another question, it emphasizes the strong link between housing costs and homelessness rates. “Research shows the correlation with homelessness isn’t as strong for other factors such as poverty or unemployment rates, mental or behavioral health disorder or substance use rates, or even weather.” And while many people point to federal housing assistance as a way to access affordable housing, only 20 percent of qualifying people receive it.

With each answer, the quiz includes links to more in-depth resources that can help readers understand the causes and potential solutions for helping the rising number of unhoused Americans and improving housing affordability. Take the quiz for yourself at the source link below.

Tuesday, February 28, 2023 in Housing Matters

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Small rural USPS post office in manufactured one-story grey building with American flag in front.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes

Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

February 12, 2025 - Cowboy State Daily

Chicago

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

April 8 - 2TheAdvocate.com

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog

Military humvee driving through gate at Fort Indiantown Gap Natl Guard training center in Pennsylvania surrounded by winter trees and dead leaves.

Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species

The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.

February 24 - Esri Blog