It happens. It's disgusting when it does. It IS a problem.
But it's not happening to half the country. That's nonsense. And when you say nonsense, it keeps others from taking the problem seriously.
I agree that homelessness is a problem, but you appear to be arguing in bad faith. If 50% of the US actually "can't afford housing", we'd have $170M people living in tents, and that is demonstrably not the case.
I would believe a claim that states that a large portion (maybe 50%, maybe more, maybe less) of the country are facing financial insecurity that makes them feel like their housing situation is precarious. But that wasn't the claim put forth upthread.
Can you clarify? Because I'd find it hard to believe that half of Americans are literally homeless. It might make more sense if you're referring to home-owners.
So 50% of the US are homeless?