Are you curious to know more about homeless facts in the United States? Do you know just how many people are impacted by being homeless? We have taken the time to find and collect some interesting facts about those suffering from homelessness.
We understand that there is still so much to learn about poverty and the homelessness problem in America. We are here to help provide some of the most important information regarding this part of the population. Stay informed and learn more about how you can help!
Disclaimer: These facts were pulled together using research and studies on the internet from The Salvation Army, The National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH) and DoorWays, a foundation dedicated to helping displaced women and children. These organizations are dedicated to providing programs and services to assist those in need of emergent relief as well as better understand the state of the homelessness problem in the United States.
1. About 1 person for every 6 Americans experiences poverty and homelessness today.
In January 2019, the NAEH learned that for every 10,000 American citizens there are actually 17 people who are homeless. Roughly 37% of the homeless population live unsheltered and exposed to the elements. Housing is a major component in helping to resolve this problem, but basic support is also of high demand
2. About 70% of those enduring the suffering of being homeless are also living alone.
It is typical for this part of the homeless population to be male or unaccompanied youth. That equals out to be around 70% of this group. It is also common for most homeless families to be made up of only a single mother and two young children.
3. Approximately 15% of those experiencing homelessness are considered “chronically homeless.”
The hottest and coldest months are the most difficult for this group of homeless individuals. Again, much of this population is living unsheltered. Family homelessness was also once viewed as an episodic or situational occurrence but has quickly transitioned into a chronic issue.
4. Approximately 8% of the homeless population in American are veterans, as they are exceptionally vulnerable.
The homeless people who are considered most at risk are minority groups, including those who are African Americans, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders, multiracial Americans and Hispanics or Latino individuals.
5. The United States has more homeless families than any other industrialized nation.
Family homelessness has become an ever-growing problem that makes up about 30% of the homeless population. Annually, there is 1 out of 30 children who experiences homelessness with about 51% of them being under the age of 5 years old. There are over 2.5 million children who are homeless in America.
6. Around 56% of the homeless population live in the 5 states with the highest homeless rates in the country.
Appearing in order of lowest rates to highest rates, the states with the biggest homeless problems include: Washington, Texas, Florida, New York and California.
7. Homeless adults ages 65 or older are considered at highest risk.
Research has indicated that the physical conditions of the older individuals who are homeless are similar to people who are actually 15 to 20 years older than them. And, around 60% of these homeless individuals are usually male.
