Homelessness

Age

In 2001, children under 18 years of age accounted for 39% of the population, with 43% of those were under 5 years of age. The National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty reported that 25% of homeless were 25 to 34 years of age and that 6% were 55 to 64.

Gender

Most studies have found that single homeless adults are more likely to be male than female. In 2005, a survey by the U.S. Conference of Mayors found that single men comprised 43% of the homeless population, whereas single women comprised 17%.

Families

The number of families experiencing homelessness is rising. The National Alliance to End Homelessness found that one-half of the homeless population is composed of families (mothers with children). The

National Coalition for the Homeless and the U.S. Conference of Mayors reported that families with children comprise 33% of the homeless population. On either count, it is apparent that the number of homeless families with children is large. Notably, it has increased significantly over the past decade.

Ethnicity

Like the total U.S. population, the ethnic makeup of homeless populations varies according to geographic location. In any area, however, minority groups comprise the largest number of homeless people. The U.S. Conference of Mayors found that the majority of the homeless population in twenty cities involved minorities of color. People experiencing homelessness in rural areas were more likely to be White, and homelessness among Native Americans and migrant workers was more generally a rural phenomenon.

Homeless person. Homelessness and poverty are inextricably linked. As housing costs increase and wages remain flat, the working and nonworking poor have become either homeless or at-risk for homelessness. Although African Americans constitute about 12% of the U.S. population, they make up nearly 40% of the homeless population.

Source: Morguefile.

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