How Many People Are Homeless?

by Shannon Moriarty · 2009-10-06 13:51:00 UTC
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It's a question we hear all the time, and for good reason. Knowing how many people experience homelessness puts the issue in context and helps us understand how widespread the issue is.

But, of course, it's never as easy as giving a nice, squeaky-clean number. Data is nuanced and can become complicated when you consider sub-population, geographic area, and differences in the definition of homelessness. Thus, understanding the methodology and data used to determine the number of homeless people is almost as important as knowing the number itself; it's illuminating.

This is why I was so thrilled to learn that the National Alliance to End Homelessness is coming out with a new series of Video Fact Sheets addressing common questions related to homelessness. The in the series addresses questions related to homelessness data. It really breaks it down with graphics, maps, and commentary from Homelessness Research Institute Director Bill Sermons.

If you've ever wondered where the numbers come from, why we're still talking about 2007 data, and how national figures are achieved when homeless census counts are conducted locally, you should definitely take seven minutes and watch this video.

Thanks to my friends at the Homelessness Research Institute at the National Alliance to End Homelessness for providing this important resource.

Image from alexkess' public Flickr photo stream.

Shannon Moriarty has worked in various homeless shelters and service organizations around the country. She is a graduate student studying housing and urban policy at Tufts University.
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