What Are the National Statistics for Homelessness?

Homelessness is a national problem, although some areas seem to be more affected than others. Also, the definition of homelessness may vary depending on whom you ask. Some experts believe that true homelessness only applies to those who have been without a permanent roof for a certain period of time such as a week or more. Others believe that you can still be considered homeless if you are living in a friend's house as a temporary solution but cannot afford to pay for your own place.

Significance

According to a study by the National Coalition for the Homeless, a rather large percentage of homeless people (up to 25 percent in some states) are employed. This goes against the belief that homeless are lazy people who choose not to work. Instead, results show that many homeless work only part time, receive no benefits or are making only minimum wage while supporting a family. Many have been recently fired and have not been able to receive unemployment or find another job. The same study showed that even when working full time, minimum income is not enough in most states to cover rent for a two-bedroom apartment.

Features

The National Coalition for the Homeless estimates that children have become the largest segment of the population being affected by homelessness. In 2005 41 percent of the people who were homeless were under 18. Some were runaways but most lived with their families or at least a sibling, sharing either a room at a shelter or living with relatives or family friends. While most homeless children do attend school, they are more likely to drop out early, repeat a grade or have learning problems.

Effects

Thirty percent of homeless families skip meals on a regular basis. According to a study by the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the ideal of three meals a day is rarely met. Children and the elderly are especially affected, particularly in those areas where food stamps or soup kitchens have restrictions that these people cannot overcome. Rural homeless are more likely to go hungry as well, as people who live in the city can often feed themselves from trash or restaurant cast-offs.

Considerations

Over the past 20 years lack of affordable housing has become the No. 1 reason for homelessness. This is mainly true in large cities where empty apartments are hard to come by and often require a substantial investment in order to secure a rental contract (real estate agency fee, first month's rent and security deposit are the standards). In rural areas people are more likely to be homeless for shorter periods of time, while city dwellers are often homeless and living in shelters or motels for periods of up to years.

Expert Insight

While the larger percentage of homeless are single men (47 percent), their reasons for being homeless are usually much different than those of homeless women. Single homeless women make up only 13 percent of the homeless population and are often on the streets as a result of domestic abuse. According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, homeless women are less likely to live on the streets for extended periods of time, instead looking for refuge in shelters or half-way homes.

Resources

• National Coalition for the Homeless