A Statistical Profile of the Homeless
When you consider the homeless, what do you think they are like? (You do think of the homeless, right?)
Here is a statistical profile of the homeless in my local area:
The last two figures are also appalling, showing that for some, homelessness is pervasive and even generational. Of course, the flipside of that is that for most, homelessness is a temporary condition that can be overcome. The more help that is available, the quicker they are able to get back on their feet, again providing for themselves.
Those of us with homes can express gratitude for our own shelter by helping those without homes to get turned around. This can easily be done by supporting and volunteering at churches, parachurch organizations, non-profits, and government agencies that help feed, house, transport, train, and support the homeless as they work towards reversing their situation.
No one can fix this problem alone, but by working together we can make a difference.
Here is a statistical profile of the homeless in my local area:
- 32% of homeless adults are employed
- 37% of the homeless are children
- 27% of the homeless households are headed by single parents (implying that 63% are two parent households)
- 30% have education beyond high school
- 24% experience chronic homelessness (implying that 76% are short-term and correctable)
- 11% of homeless adults were homeless as children
The last two figures are also appalling, showing that for some, homelessness is pervasive and even generational. Of course, the flipside of that is that for most, homelessness is a temporary condition that can be overcome. The more help that is available, the quicker they are able to get back on their feet, again providing for themselves.
Those of us with homes can express gratitude for our own shelter by helping those without homes to get turned around. This can easily be done by supporting and volunteering at churches, parachurch organizations, non-profits, and government agencies that help feed, house, transport, train, and support the homeless as they work towards reversing their situation.
No one can fix this problem alone, but by working together we can make a difference.
Posted by Peter DeHaan at 2/16/2009 3:05 PM 
Categories: Serious, People
Tags: homeless stats Peter DeHaan blog author Peter DeHaan Peter DeHaan Musings Musings of Peter DeHaan
Categories: Serious, People
Tags: homeless stats Peter DeHaan blog author Peter DeHaan Peter DeHaan Musings Musings of Peter DeHaan
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