Transcript homelessness

Homelessness
Causes of Homelessness
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Poverty
Lack of Employment and Housing
Lack of Public Assistance
Lack of Affordable Health Care
Domestic Violence
Mental Illness
Addiction
Who are the Homeless?
The National Coalition for the Homeless
defines a homeless individual as someone
who “lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate
night-time residence.”
Who are the Homeless?
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Results of a 2004 survey by the U.S.
Conference of Mayors:
49% African-American
35% Caucasian
13% Hispanic
2% Native American
1% Asian
Who are the Homeless?
• Single men make up 43% of the homeless
population; single women make up 17%
• Families with children make up
approximately 33% of the homeless
population
• Children under 18 make up 39% of the
population; children under 5= 42%
• Adults age 25-34= 25%
• Adults 55-64= 6%
Negative Effects of Homelessness
• Government spends large amounts of
money to fight poverty and homelessness
• Stigma associated with homelessness
• Wasted human capital
• Spread of drug and alcohol abuse as a
result of homelessness
What Nordonia Thinks
• 58% rated homelessness as a 7 or higher in
importance as an issue
• 56% believe the U.S. has the highest population
of homeless; Africa and China tied; one person
said the USSR
• 68% believe the government is not doing
enough to combat homelessness
• 61% would give money to a homeless person
• 64% said African Americans make up the largest
group; 27% said Caucasians
What Can Be Done?
• Support politicians who support legislation
that will help the homeless
• Donate to the Salvation Army or other
charitable institutions
• Volunteer at a local homeless shelter
• Don’t give money to homeless people on
the street