Majority of American adults believe personal decisions contribute to individuals remaining in poverty, according to a survey

In a recent survey, Americans' opinions on homeless encampments and the factors contributing to poverty were examined. Here are some key findings:

Approximately 30% of Americans don't have an opinion on removing homeless encampments, with this number being relatively high among independents and Democrats.
A similar percentage, around 60%, believe personal choices are a major factor in why people remain in poverty. This view is shared by most Republicans (77%).

Opinions on homeless encampments vary along party lines. Most Republicans (64%) favor their removal, while independents and Democrats are more divided.

Individual perspectives are not without nuance. Rob Haas, a resident of Fort Collins, Colorado, supports encampment removals, viewing them as detrimental to both the homeless and the community. On the other hand, Ami Tate, a resident of Hesperia, California, who leans conservative, advocates for rules but also government help for the homeless.

Conversely, White, a Pittsburgh resident, opposes encampment removals due to concerns about where people would go and the issue of full shelters.

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that cities can enforce bans on people sleeping outside in public places, but the increasing rate of unsheltered homelessness may contribute to the discrepancy between poverty data and Americans' perceptions.

A majority of Americans believe the government is spending "too little" on assistance for those in need. They also believe that poverty has increased in the country over the past 25 years (68%). However, it's worth noting that the rate of people living under the poverty line has decreased "by almost every measure" over the same period.

Americans also believe that state and local governments should play a major role in addressing poverty and homelessness.

The funding of aid for the needy in the United States comes from various sources. The U.S. government is a significant contributor, particularly through voluntary contributions to international organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), which received over 1 billion USD from the U.S. in 2023. Major private entities like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and large Catholic humanitarian organizations also contribute significantly to such programs.

Last year, homelessness increased by 18%, driven largely by a lack of affordable housing, natural disasters, and a surge of migrants. People living in urban areas are more likely to perceive an increase in poverty in their local community.

Overall, more Americans favor than oppose removing homeless encampments in US cities (43% favor, 25% oppose). This issue, along with the factors contributing to poverty, continues to be a topic of ongoing debate and concern.