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Did
you know that....
Over 1 million children sleep on the streets or in homeless shelters every
night. Many homeless people are among the working poor, and a relatively
small percentage of them receive government assistance. One out of four
homeless is employed full- or part-time. One quarter of the homeless are
war veterans. One out of four homeless is a child. The fastest growing
homeless group in the U.S. is families with children. Thirty-six
percent of people with AIDS have been homeless since learning that they
had HIV or AIDS. The numbers who are homeless for at least one night
during the year is probably over three million. Millions are among
the hidden homeless--people who are one crisis away from losing their
homes. The homeless are found not only in cities, but also in small towns,
rural areas and affluent suburbs. Many homeless people have completed high
school; some have attended college and even graduate school. About
25% of the homeless are estimated to be mentally ill, about 40% are
alcohol or substance abusers, and about 15% suffer from both disabilities.
One percent may need long-term hospitalization. Research indicates that
40% of homeless people have been homeless less than six months, and that
70% of homeless people have been homeless less than two years. About 3.5
million US residents (about 1% of the population), including 1.35 million
children, have been homeless for a significant period of time. According
to the Ford Foundation, about 50% of all homeless women and children were
victims of physical or other abuse by their own family members. Many
times, the homeless are turned away by shelters due to overcrowding. In
general, the homeless are among the least threatening group in our society
and are more likely to be victims of crime. Although they are more likely
to commit non-violent and non-destructive crimes, they are less likely to
commit crimes against person or property. The growth of homelessness has
far exceeded the capacity of charitable groups. Homelessness is a societal
problem that requires a partnership between private charities and the
government, with active public support. |
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