Millions of Americans are Sleeping in Their Vehicles Despite a Supposedly Thriving Economy
Why are People Sleeping in their Vehicles?
Have you noticed an increase in the number of vehicles parked overnight at large retailers in your area? If you take a closer look, you might find that many of these vehicles are actually being used as sleeping quarters. Currently, millions of Americans are sleeping in their vehicles every night, even though we're constantly told that the economy is doing well. However, the reality is that the system is failing many people. If you're fortunate enough to sleep in a warm bed in a warm home, consider yourself blessed, as many are struggling.
The main reason why so many people are living in their vehicles is due to the skyrocketing cost of living. Housing costs, in particular, have become exorbitantly high. In fact, housing in the United States has never been more unaffordable.
Extreme Measures to Afford Housing
Take, for instance, the story of Ishan Abeysekera, a 33-year-old man who pays $2,100 a month to share a house with 23 other people. While it's not uncommon for people in their late 20s and early 30s to live with roommates in expensive cities like New York, sharing a house with 23 people is extreme. However, most Americans can't afford to pay $2,100 a month for housing.
For instance, some flight attendants working for American Airlines reportedly sleep in their cars due to low pay. They are required to live in high-cost cities like Dallas, Miami, and New York, which they can't afford.
The Rise of "Van Life"
In recent years, living in vans, or "van life," has become increasingly popular, with more than 3 million Americans now living this way. This lifestyle has seen a 63% increase over the last couple of years, from 1.9 million in 2020 to 3.1 million in 2022.
While some people choose "van life" for the freedom it offers, many others are forced into it due to financial constraints. Michelle Rose, a woman who used to own a home in Montana, is one such person. She sold her house and moved into a van permanently three and a half years ago, at the start of the pandemic.
The Struggles of Living in a Vehicle
Many of these people have jobs and wouldn't be officially classified as "homeless". However, the cost of living crisis has pushed them to the brink of losing everything.
Despite this, our leaders continue to spend money at an unprecedented rate, leading to more inflation. For example, the State Department is offering up to a quarter million taxpayer dollars to a non-profit to teach Iraqi teenagers about climate activism.
Bottom Line
We are essentially committing national suicide, but most of the population doesn't seem to care. Every election cycle, the big spenders are sent back to Washington over and over again. Meanwhile, more Americans are being forced to sleep in their vehicles with each passing day.
It's important not to look down on those who have been forced to sleep in a vehicle, as with a bit of bad luck, anyone could end up in the same situation.
What are your thoughts on this issue? Do you think more should be done to address the cost of living crisis? Share this article with your friends and let's start a conversation. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.
