Homelessness by the Numbers

Counting the number of homeless people in the United States is methodologically challenging and highly political. Challenging because it's difficult to find a population who is, by definition, without a permanent place of being, and political because of the inherent flaws and limitations in an effort to count this fluid population. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the limitations include definitional issues, finding homeless people, data collection and enumeration efforts, de-duplicating, and differing time frames.

These numbers are derived from the Third Annual Homeless Assessment Report (presented to Congress in July 2008). The numbers are based on two data sources, including findings from "point-in-time" counts conducted across the US during a single night in January 2007, and data from the national database tracking sheltered homeless persons, including the numbers, characteristics, and patterns, over a 12-month period. 

The following graphs represent some key findings from this HUD report to Congress.

Sheltered vs. Unsheltered (From 2007 Point-In-Time County)

Given that this data was collected in January, it's troubling to see that 44% of the homeless population was found literally sleeping on the streets. This may imply a lack of capacity in the emergency shelter system.

Self-Identified Causes of Homelessness

Homeless families (blue) and individuals (red) were asked to identify any of the key factors leading to their homelessness. According to this study, the major factors affecting homeless families were poverty and a lack of affordable housing. For individuals, poverty, substance abuse, and mental illness were the major issues. 

Night Prior to Shelter: Where Did the Homeless Stay?

To break down these categories even more: 

Already homeless - 43%

• Place not meant for human habitation - 15%
• Emergency Shelter or Transitional Housing - 28%

Housing - 37%

• Rented or Owned Housing - 12%
• Staying with Family or Friends - 24%

Other Situations - 20%

• Psychiatric facility, substance abuse center, or hospital - 7%
• Jail, prison, or juvenile detention - 5%
• Hotel, motel, or foster care home - 9%

Homelessness by the Numbers

671,888

The number of homeless people counted on one night in January 2007

2.5 to 3.5 million

The number of people estimated to have experienced homelessness in 2007

18

Percent of the homeless population that is considered "chronically homeless"

• Sheltered Chronically Homeless - 6%
• Unsheltered Chronically Homeless - 12%

A chronically homeless person is defined as an unaccompanied homeless individual with a disabling condition who has either been continuously homeless for a year or more or has had at least four episodes of homelessness in the past three years. Although this population makes up 10-20% of the homeless population, they use up to 50% of the services provided to the homeless in a given year. (HUD - 2007 Homeless Assessment Report)

50

Percent of the homeless population are families and children in a given year

Families with children are widespread across the urban, suburban, and rural areas. Convergent sources indicate they are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population. Homeless families sleep in shelters, cars, abandoned buildings, motels and doubled-up with families and friends. The vast majority of these families are homeless due to poverty and a lack of permanent housing.  (National Alliance to End Homelessness)

13

Percent of families are homeless due to domestic violence

For the majority of single women, domestic violence is the most proximate cause of homelessness. Due to a lack of affordable housing, many families fleeing abuse are forced to choose between staying with their abuser and sleeping on the street. An estimated 29% of requests for shelter by homeless families were denied in 2006 due to lack of resources (U.S. Conference of Mayors, 2006).

39

Percent of the homeless people are children under 18 (5% are unaccompanied youth)

Researchers estimate that between 4-7% of youth will experience homelessness before their 18^th birthday. Homelessness takes a toll on young children. For example, a child who has experienced homelessness experiences post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at twice the rate of returning war veterans.

50

Percent of homeless people suffer from mental health issues

25

Percent of homeless population suffers from severe and persistent mental illness 

Mental health issues become exacerbated by living on the streets or in shelters. Health and mental ailments become even more difficult to diagnose and treat without residential stability. Only 5-7% of homeless persons with mental illness require institutionalization, most can live in the community with proper medication and supportive housing options. (Federal Task Force on Homelessness and Severe Mental Illness)

26

Percent of the homeless population struggle with substance abuse

The relationship between homelessness and alcohol and drug abuse is a controversial one. Most people do not become homeless because of their addiction. Rather, addiction issues often arise while people are experiencing homelessness.

23-40

Percent of homeless adults are veterans

Although the homeless veteran population comes from all conflicts, research indicates that those who served in late-Vietnam and post-Vietnam era are at greatest risk of becoming homeless. While many believe that veterans are more likely to suffer from substance abuse and mental health issues, in fact they are often afflicted by same factors affecting other homeless adults - poverty, a lack of affordable housing, and individual characteristics. (National Alliance to End Homelessness)