How Japan Reduced Homelessness and What America Can Do Today

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Japan has one of the lowest homeless populations in the world. In the United States, over half a million people are experiencing homelessness (0.2%), with around half being unsheltered. In Japan, that number is under 4,000 (0.003%). In Portland, Oregon alone, the 2022 estimated number of unsheltered individuals was 3,057, and around 5,000 were experiencing some form of homelessness.

How is this the case?

It’s not that it’s cheaper to live in Japan. There isn’t a lower level of poverty (In fact, Japan’s poverty percentage is higher). You also can’t argue it’s just the population difference between the countries because those numbers still don’t add up. So what is Japan doing differently? 


A 2022 article lays out three characteristics by which Japan drastically reduced its unsheltered population in the past 20 years. Those characteristics are:

  1. Generality

“Generality” refers to the nature in which someone is eligible to receive public assistance in Japan. Eligibility only requires that recipients be in need. This framework makes getting assistance when one becomes unsheltered much more accessible than in America. 

  1. Comprehensiveness

The Japanese welfare system addresses multiple aspects of poverty simultaneously, combining cash benefits, housing assistance, and health care into the same program. In Japan, if an unsheltered person receives public assistance, they will automatically receive housing assistance.

  1. Expeditiousness

The speed at which an unsheltered person goes from applying for assistance to receiving that assistance.

In the states, we see a fractured and exclusionary framework for public assistance. The variety of aid programs is wide, and the eligibility requirements are rigid. As a result, it is challenging for someone who is unsheltered in America to receive all the necessary assistance to get back into a stable housing situation.

What can be done?

Now it should hopefully be more evident how Japan’s public assistance programs outperform America’s in the fight against homelessness. But what can be done if the government does not render sufficient aid? The answer may lie within local communities.


Community groups and programs across the country help unhoused populations find pathways to food, employment, health care, and shelter. However, there is only so much they can do with their resources. 


Everyone wants to see their community improve, but that requires uplifting everyone together. Our unsheltered populations are members of our community that need our help. That doesn’t mean it’s on you to solve the problem and have all the answers. Quite the opposite, actually. When communities collectively organize and mobilize to solve issues, incredible improvements can be made. And helping can be as simple as donating or volunteering at your local non-profit. A little can go a long way, especially when everyone does their part to create the change they wish to see. 


Until America’s government can adopt a framework similar to Japan’s approach, it’s up to everyday people to show up for their communities to support those in need.


How to help the homeless:

Taking Action

5 Ways To Help the Homeless

Find your local food pantry or meal provider


Sources


Homelessness statistics:

Japan

United States

Portland, Oregon (Multnomah County)


Article:

Goto, Hiroshi, Dennis P. Culhane, and Matthew D. Marr. "Why street homelessness has decreased in Japan: a comparison of public assistance in Japan and the US." European Journal of Homelessness _ Volume 16, no. 1_ (2022).


2/7/23 Devin Apostle

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