For an increasing number of Americans, work provides no relief from poverty. In 1995, real median income was 3.8 percent below its 1989 level.--U.S. Bureau of Census, via the National Coalition for the Homeless.
In 1996, the U.S. Conference of Mayors found that at least 19 percent of the homeless population were employed.--A Status Report on Hunger and Homelessness in America’s Cities, via the National Coalition for the Homeless.
In no state does a full-time minimum wage job cover the costs of a one-bedroom unit at Fair Market Rent, and in 45 states and the District of Columbia, families would need to earn at least double the minimum wage in order to afford a two-bedroom unit at Fair Market Rent.--Out of Reach: Can America Pay the Rent?, via the National Coalition for the Homeless.
A recent study of 29 U.S. cities found that in 1996, 20 percent of all requests for emergency shelter went unmet due to lack of resources.--A Status Report on Hunger and Homelessness in America’s cities, via the National Coalition for the Homeless.
There are few or no shelters in rural areas of the U.S., despite significant levels of homelessness.--The National Coalition for the Homeless.
It is estimated that 760,000 people are homeless on any given night, and 1.2 to 2 million people experience homelessness during one year.--National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty, via the National Coalition for the Homeless.
Two trends are largely responsible for the rise in homelessness over the past 15 to 20 years: a growing shortage of affordable rental housing and a simultaneous increase in poverty.--The National Coalition for the Homeless.
In 1996, the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ survey found that single men comprised 45 percent of the homeless population and single women 14 percent.--A Status Report on Hunger and Homelessness in America’s cities, via the National Coalition for the Homeless.
A 1990 Ford Foundation study found that 50 percent of homeless women and children were fleeing abuse.--Women Battering: A Major Cause of Homelessness, via the National Coalition for the Homeless.
In 1996, the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ survey of 29 American cities found that 19 percent of the urban homeless population were veterans.--A Status Report on Hunger and Homelessness in America’s Cities, via the National Coalition for the Homeless.
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