This Could Be You Someday

 - November 12-20, 2011: National Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week -

It is estimated that in the next three years homelessness in the United States could increase by 5 percent, or 74,000 people.



The Big Picture
While circumstances can vary, the main reason people experience homelessness is because they cannot find housing they can afford. The main behind this inability to acquire or maintain housing is the scarcity of affordable housing in the United States – particularly in more urban areas where homelessness is more prevalent.



By The Numbers:
There are 643,067 people experiencing homelessness on any given night in the United States.
Of that number, 238,110 are people in families, and 404,957 are individuals.
17 percent of the homeless population is considered "chronically homeless," and 12 percent of the homeless population - 67,000 - are veterans.



Poverty Rates
Under the new Supplemental Poverty Measure, poverty among the elderly rose to 16 percent from 9 percent, mostly because out-of-pocket medical expenses were so high.


Data collected from: National Alliance To End Homelessness