Why - Greenville Together

Understanding Homelessness

CAUSES & MISCONCEPTIONS

Housing Markets Drive Homelessness

Homelessness is not caused by weather, government benefits, or local policies alone. The Real Cause? Lack of Affordable Housing—Data shows that cities with high costs of living and limited affordable housing—like San Francisco, Boston, and Santa Clara County—often experience higher rates of homelessness. In contrast, cities with more affordable housing, like Detroit, often see lower rates.

Why Do People Become Homeless?

Housing Costs Are Too High

High rent and and a lack of affordable housing options are major obstacles.

Not Enough Income

Many families struggle with low or unstable incomes, making it difficult to keep up with housing costs.

Health Issues

Long-term and sudden health problems can lead to homelessness.

Domestic Violence and Trauma

Individuals experiencing trauma, either recent or lifelong, are often vulnerable to homelessness.

By The Numbers

Homelessness doesn’t affect everyone equally:

In Greenville, 75% of extremely low-income renters spend more than half of their income on housing. This puts many families at risk of losing their homes even when they have jobs.

Black or African American households are 3 times more likely to experience unsheltered homelessness than white households in Greenville.

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American Indian households in Greenville are 16.9 times more likely to experience unsheltered homelessness than white households.

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To afford a 2-bedroom rental in the Greenville Metro area, the average renter needs to earn $23.19/hour, working full-time year-round. For a 1-bedroom, they need $20.65/hour.

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In Greenville County 75% of extremely low-income renters spend more than half of their income on housing.

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Demographic Characteristics: unsheltered

A range of ages are unsheltered, but Black households experience a greater rate of homelessness than white households.

Unsheltered by Race

2024 Point In Time Count (n=149)

Unsheltered by Race

2024 Point In Time Count (n=149)

Unsheltered by Age

2024 Point In Time Count (n=149)

The Point-in-Time (PIT) Count counts sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January.
Data provided by UHC/Upstate CoC, 10/30/24
The geography for this data is the City of Greenville (Zip Codes 29601, 29605, 29607, 29609, and 29611).

Coordinated Entry System (CES)

Household Type and Living Situation (n=304)

Greenville has fewer permanent housing options

With only 668 permanent beds out of 1,900 available, Greenville relies heavily on temporary housing—highlighting the urgent need for more stable, long-term solutions for those experiencing homelessness.

Permanent Housing per Homeless Person

Comparison by High performing communities (n=304)

Temporary and Permanent Beds within Greenville County

As of 10/30/24 (n=1900)

UHC and GHA worked together to develop an overview of the temporary and permanent residential programs operating within Greenville County to serve homeless people as of 10/1/24. The comparison data is from HUD and at the CoC level.

GreenVille Together

A Home for All

Greenville is committed to functionally ending homelessness. Download the full report to learn how we’re moving from temporary solutions to lasting stability and expanding permanent housing options.

Experiencing homelessness? Call or visit 2-1-1 for help.

Understanding Homelessness

Housing Markets Drive Homelessness

Why Do People Become Homeless?

Housing Costs Are Too High

Not Enough Income

Health Issues

Domestic Violence and Trauma

Homelessness doesn’t affect everyone equally:

Demographic Characteristics: unsheltered

Unsheltered by Race

Unsheltered by Race

Unsheltered by Age

Coordinated Entry System (CES)

Greenville has fewer permanent housing options

Permanent Housing per Homeless Person

Temporary and Permanent Beds within Greenville County

A Home for All

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