Homelessness Sociology Facts and findings -

Federal Definition Lacks night time residence Lives in residence that is...  Supervised publicly or privately operated shelter  Institution  Public or private place not intended for residence

Why Are People Homeless? Two factors - Affordable housing - Increase in poverty

Who Is Homeless? Temporary circumstance - not a permanent condition. Average of eight months Single men : 51% Families with children : 30% Single women : 17% Unaccompanied youth : 2%

42% African-American 39% White 13% Hispanic 4% Native American 2% Asian 16% considered mentally ill 26% substance abusers 13% employed

Estimates Approximately 1% of the U.S. population 38% of them being children

Is Homelessness Increasing? Study of shelter beds 1987 – 1997 number of beds doubled Studies indicate dramatic increase over 2 decades

To Help Donate to local food banks Volunteer at shelters and soup kitchens Donate  Clothes  Food  Time

Conclusion Homelessness can be defined in various ways Impossible to measure with 100% accuracy Lack of affordable housing and rise in poverty level has mostly influenced homelessness Temporary circumstance – not permanent condition Single men comprise majority of homeless Number of shelter beds indicates approximate number of homeless