Homelessness in America is on the rise at an alarming rate. Homelessness has not been given the recognition it deserves on any level, local, state, or federal. Government agencies turn the other cheek regarding solutions to homelessness. The media will not even acknowledge that homelessness and poverty are serious threats to our health and stability as a nation.
On any given night in America, over one million people are homeless, according to estimates of the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty. According to a December, 2000 report of the US Conference of Mayors:
single men comprise 44 percent of the homeless, single women 13 percent, families with children 36 percent, and unaccompanied minors seven percent. the homeless population is about 50 percent African-American, 35 percent white, 12 percent Hispanic, 2 percent Native American and 1 percent Asian.
According to the 1996 National Survey of Homeless Assistance Providers and Clients (NSHAPC):
single homeless individuals in 1996 reported an average income of $348 during the last 30 days, about 51 percent of the 1996 federal poverty level of $680/month for one person. More statistics:
• 28 percent said they sometimes or often do not get enough to eat, compared with 12 percent of poor American adults.
• 44 percent did paid work during the past month.
• 21 percent received income from family members or friends.
• 66 percent of the homeless have problems with alcohol, drug abuse, or mental illness.
• 22 percent have been physically assaulted.
• 7 percent have been sexually assaulted.
• 38 percent say someone stole money or things directly from them.
• 30 percent have been homeless for more than two years.
*Haven for Hope is a private non-profit aimed at transforming the lives of homeless men, women and children in the San Antonio/Bexar County area. Partnering with 78 governmental, non-profit and faith-based agencies, Haven for Hope seeks to transform the lives of the homeless by addressing the root causes of homelessness through education, job training and behavioral health services. While most “shelters” feed, clothe and shelter the homeless, Haven for Hope and its Partners will provide critical social services to help the homeless become self-sufficient individuals on a long-term basis. For more information, visit http://www.havenforhope.org/.
