Who are the homeless?
The homeless community consists of men, women, and children of all ages, ethnicities religions, and walks of life. In Utah, the average age of homeless adults is 38 and in children, 7. In the US, 51% are single males, 25% are single females, and 5% are minors unaccompanied by an adult.
Ethnicity
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Education
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Chronic Homelessness
For many, homelessness is a short-term problem, but for others homelessness is pervasive. Chronic homelessness is defined by long term or repeated homelessness. Although chronic homelessness represents a small portion of the overall homeless population, this population consumes over half of the services. Many chronically homeless people have mental illnesses and alcohol and substance addiction. According to Volume 1 of the 2012 Annual Homeless Assessment Report, the chronically homeless population, some 100,000 individuals, accounted for just under 16% of all homeless people in 2012 (endhomelessness.org).
For many, homelessness is a short-term problem, but for others homelessness is pervasive. Chronic homelessness is defined by long term or repeated homelessness. Although chronic homelessness represents a small portion of the overall homeless population, this population consumes over half of the services. Many chronically homeless people have mental illnesses and alcohol and substance addiction. According to Volume 1 of the 2012 Annual Homeless Assessment Report, the chronically homeless population, some 100,000 individuals, accounted for just under 16% of all homeless people in 2012 (endhomelessness.org).
Families and Children
Source: maryellenmark.com
One of the fastest growing segments of the homeless population is families with children. There is a common misconception that homelessness is an issue that only pertains to single men and women, but in reality thousands of families a year will experience homelessness. In fact, 41% of the homeless population is comprised of families (National Alliance to End Homelessness).
Homelessness is a devastating experience for families. It disrupts virtually every aspect of family life, damaging the physical and emotional health of family members, interfering with children’s education and development, and frequently resulting in the separation of family members.
Homelessness is a devastating experience for families. It disrupts virtually every aspect of family life, damaging the physical and emotional health of family members, interfering with children’s education and development, and frequently resulting in the separation of family members.
“One of the fastest growing segments of the homeless
population is families with children.”
Source: 100khomes.org
Veterans
In the United States, roughly 15%-20% of people experiencing homelessness are veterans. Among this group of veterans, three fourths experience mental health issue and drug and alcohol addiction. Alcohol may be used by veterans to help cope with the effects of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and/or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (samhsa.gov). Veterans are twice as likely as other Americans to become homeless and the risk for women vets to become homeless is four times greater than that of men.
- 46% age 45 or older
- 3% women
- 76% experience alcohol, drug, or mental health problems
- 89% received Honorable Discharge
- 47% Vietnam Era
- 79% reside in central cities
- 25% have used VA Homeless Services (nationalhomeless.org)
“The risk for women vets to become homeless
is four times greater than that of men.”
Homeless Teens
Homeless youth face many challenges on the streets. Because of their age, homeless youth have few legal means by which they can earn enough money to meet basic needs. Many homeless adolescents find that exchanging sex for food, clothing, and shelter is their only chance of survival on the streets. In turn, homeless youth are at a greater risk of contracting AIDS or HIV related illnesses. Estimates for percentages of homeless youth infected with HIV are generally around 5%. Furthermore, homeless youth face difficulties attending school because of legal guardianship requirements, residency requirements, improper records, and lack of transportation. As a result, homeless youth face severe challenges in obtaining an education and supporting themselves emotionally and financially.Homeless adolescents often suffer from severe anxiety and depression, poor health and nutrition, and low self-esteem.
Homeless youth face many challenges on the streets. Because of their age, homeless youth have few legal means by which they can earn enough money to meet basic needs. Many homeless adolescents find that exchanging sex for food, clothing, and shelter is their only chance of survival on the streets. In turn, homeless youth are at a greater risk of contracting AIDS or HIV related illnesses. Estimates for percentages of homeless youth infected with HIV are generally around 5%. Furthermore, homeless youth face difficulties attending school because of legal guardianship requirements, residency requirements, improper records, and lack of transportation. As a result, homeless youth face severe challenges in obtaining an education and supporting themselves emotionally and financially.Homeless adolescents often suffer from severe anxiety and depression, poor health and nutrition, and low self-esteem.