Final answer:
Homelessness has worsened due to high rent prices, low vacancy rates, and social exclusion. Mental illness, substance abuse, and socio-economic downturns also play significant roles. Recent global events have exacerbated the issue.
Step-by-step explanation:
Homelessness has become an increasingly serious problem in the past decade due to a combination of socio-economic factors primarily including high rent prices, low vacancy rates, and a larger systemic issue of social exclusion. Factors such as mental illness, substance abuse, physical disabilities, and economic downturns like recessions contribute to the complexity of the situation.
Moreover, certain groups like veterans and those suffering from domestic abuse find themselves disproportionately affected by homelessness. The recent COVID-19 pandemic and events such as the war in Ukraine have further exacerbated these issues, as well as highlighted the scarcity of resources necessary to address this crisis comprehensively.