HOMELESS CHILDREN AND FAMILIES FACTS

As the following statistics make clear, people who become homeless do not fit one general description. However, people experiencing homelessness do have certain shared basic needs, including affordable housing, adequate incomes, and health care. Some homeless people may need additional services such as mental health or drug treatment in order to remain securely housed. All of these needs must be met to prevent and to end homelessness.

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 Over 1.35 million children and youth experience homelessness in a year. (National Coalition for the Homeless)
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 Families are the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population in the United States, accounting for approximately 40 percent of those in homeless situations. (National Coalition for the Homeless)
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 Two trends are largely responsible for the rise in homelessness over the past 20-25 years: a growing shortage of affordable rental housing and a simultaneous increase in poverty. (National Coalition for the Homeless)
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 In 2001, the U.S. Conference of Mayors' survey of homelessness in 27 cities found that children under the age of 18 accounted for 25.3% of the urban homeless population and found that unaccompanied minors comprised 4% of the urban homeless population. (U.S. Conference of Mayors, 2001).
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 On a national level, approximately 39% of the homeless population are children (Urban Institute 2000).
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 A 1987 Urban Institute study found that 51% of the homeless population was between the ages of 31 and 50 (Burt, 1989); other studies have found percentages of homeless persons aged 55 to 60 ranging from 2.5% to 19.4% (Institute of Medicine, 1988).
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 Most studies show that single homeless adults are more likely to be male than female. In 2001, the U.S. Conference of Mayors' survey found that single men comprised 41% of the urban homeless population and single women 14% (U.S. Conference of Mayors, 2003).
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 In its 2003 survey of 25 American cities, the U.S. Conference of Mayors found that families comprised 40% of the homeless population, a definite increase from previous years (U.S. Conference of Mayors, 2003).
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 On a national level, the Urban Institute found that approximately 39% of the homeless population is made up of children (Urban Institute 2000). These proportions are likely to be higher in rural areas; research indicates that families, single mothers, and children make up the largest group of people who are homeless in rural areas (Vissing, 1996).
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 In its 2003 survey of 25 cities, the U.S. Conference of Mayor found that the homeless population was 49% African-American, 35% Caucasian, 13% Hispanic, 2% Native American, and 1% Asian (U.S. Conference of Mayors, 2003).
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 The ethnic makeup of homeless populations varies according to geographic location. For example, people experiencing homelessness in rural areas are much more likely to be white; homelessness among Native Americans and migrant workers is also largely a rural phenomenon (U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1996).
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 The primary causes of homelessness among unaccompanied youth are physical and sexual abuse by a parent or guardian, neglect, parental substance abuse, and family conflict. (National Coalition for the Homeless)
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 Over forty percent of children living in homeless shelters are under the age of five. (National Coalition for the Homeless)
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 The Department’s FY 2000 Report to Congress indicated that 87 percent of homeless K-12 children and youth were enrolled in school. However, only 77 percent attended school regularly. Less than 16 percent of eligible preschool aged homeless children were enrolled in preschool programs (U.S. Dept. of Education)