Having a place to live is a basic necessity. Suitable and adequate housing can provide a sense of physical and emotional security and safety, a sense of identity and a means to receive services, seek employment and maintain a social life. Many people place importance on at least renting a good place for a reasonable price. But high housing costs can make it hard to afford other basic necessities. People who live in poor quality housing with inadequate neighbourhood amenities are more likely to experience other forms of social disadvantage. Many factors, often building over time, can lead to homelessness including family breakdown, domestic violence, mental illness, drug abuse and alcoholism, though cause and effect can be hard to distinguish.