Economist: To the extent that homelessness arises from a lack of available housing, it should not be assumed that th profit motive is at fault. Private investors will, in general, provide housing if hte market allows them to make a profit; it is unrealistic to expect investors to take risks with their property unless they get some benefit in return.


Which one of the following most accurately describes the role played in the economist's argument by the phrase "To the extent that homelessness arises from lack of available housing"?

A) It limits the application of the argument to a part of the problem
B) IT suggests that the primary cause of homelessness is lack of avialable housing.
C) It is offered as evidence crucial to the conclusion
D) It expresses the conclusion to be argued for
E) It suggests a possible solution to the problem of homelessness.