 Homelessness in America is an urgent public health issue. The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness states that more than half of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, just one crisis away from losing the roof over their heads. But that doesn't mean that they'll all end up on the street. In fact, those living on the street make up only about a third of the homeless nationwide. Far more sleep in shelters or in their cars. And less than 20% are chronically homeless.