Lack of relationships is as important as lack of money in determining who becomes homeless. Unsplash / Edits by CTOne reason some Americans are edgy about homelessness: Maybe it could happen to me? Money was one reason for their struggles, but so was a lack of relationships with friends or family members who could have helped. When he noticed carrots and yams left behind after the monthly distribution of produce from a local food bank that comes to CFV residents, John bought a dehydrator and vacuum sealer to preserve them. Yes, family and friends are a real bulwark against homelessness, and one reason we don’t have more homelessness is that many people do have someone to call.