Thursday, May 27, 2004

Facts and Myths Regarding Homelessness

2003---Information and statistics currently being used to inform us about "the homeless" were taken from shelters (who mainly served mentally ill and addicted individuals), or census (who had no way of tracking people with no address). Our charitable leaders – civic, community and church leaders are unfortunately misinformed when they quote statistics on the numbers of the homeless population, and leading causes for homelessness. Shelters house ONLY 3%- 10% of the homeless (300-2000). There are still 90% who have no chance of housing (12,000-18,000). Re: Page 11, #1; The Problem, U.S. Census Bureau

You never hear about 90% of the true homeless population - The "Working Hidden Homeless" - 6,000 in our city, the 6,000 "Non-Working Homeless" who are 80-90 years old living in boxes, those seeking work but getting 2 days a week temp jobs, and those who are too disabled to work, but do not qualify for disability. And the 3,000-6,000 "Transient Homeless" seeking work - families with children, single men and women who stay from 2 weeks to 2 months before moving on. The "Sheltered Homeless people ONLY consist of 3%-10% of the true homeless population!

There's more to learn - the rest of the article is here.

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