National Coalition for the Homeless

The National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH), an organization whose mission is to end homelessness through public education, policy advocacy, and grassroots organizing, claims in the subsequent viewpoint that domestic violence is often the cause of homelessness among women and children. According to multiple research studies, writes NCH, the most common reason women enter a homeless shelter is to flee an abusive relationship.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. How many cities surveyed by the U.S. Conference of Mayors identified domestic violence as a primary cause of homelessness, as stated by the author?
2. According to NCH, what percentage of homeless women in Minnesota cite abuse as one of their main reasons for leaving housing?
3. What is the necessary first step in meeting the needs of women fleeing domestic violence, in the...