Tale of Two Cities and Homelessness

Statistical data about the prevalence of youth homelessness in Chicago and New York In the school year of 2013-14, 138, 575 Chicagoans were homeless. 88% of homeless students lived doubled-up in overcrowded conditions in other people homes. The average age of a child experiencing homelessness in Chicago is 9 years old. Approximately 1.7 million young people call the streets home every year. Nearly 20,000 homeless people 24 years old and younger live in New York City. Children under age 18 accounted for 39% of the homeless population. Approximately 42% were younger than age 5.

Statistical data regarding populations of homeless, including youth Chicago New York 47.4% homeless families 33% homeless children 14% homeless adults 5.8% unaccompanied homeless youth 46.8% single Adults 14,093 homeless families 24,014 homeless children 21,832 Homeless adults in families 13,060 homeless single adults 9,719 homeless single men 3,341 homeless single women

Street and Van Outreach Healthcare Job Training Pastoral Ministry Types/levels of supports available including, but not limited to, shelters, community and school based supports,etc. Chicago New York Outreach at shelters Street Programs Community leaders talk to school, civic, and religious groups about their experience with homelessness Legal Aide Mobile Clinic Advocacy campaigns that create economic opportunities for people living in extreme poverty Street and Van Outreach Healthcare Job Training Pastoral Ministry Mother and Child Programs

The Policies Supporting Homelessness in Each State Chicago New York Create an effective crisis response system that prevents homelessness whenever possible and rapidly returns people who experience homelessness to stable housing. Create a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate menu of services for youth who experience homelessness. Engage all of Chicago in a robust plan that creates a path to securing a home for everyone in our community. The Bureau of Housing and Support Services administer programs to address the problems in each state for homeless and at risk low income households. Increase levels of self sufficiency Construct supportive housing for the homeless and essential services

At Least one other interesting statistic or learned information of your choice about homelessness In a racial breakdown approximately 57% of homeless residents are African Americans in New York and in Chicago 75% are homeless residents. In both states African Americans have the highest percentage of homelessness.

References Chicago Coalition for the Homeless. (2014). No youth alone. Retrieved from http://www.chicagohomeless.org/programs-campaigns/advocacy-public-policy/no-youth-alone/ Covenant House. (2014). Helping homeless kids in New York. Retrieved from http://www.covenanthouse.org/homeless-charity/new-york Safe Horizon. (2014). Homeless youth statistics & facts. Retrieved from http://www.safehorizon.org/page/streetwork-homeless-youth-facts-69.html