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According to security.org, the 2023 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report (AHAR) completed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) found many eye-opening statistics – first they found that on any given night, about 600,000 Americans need housing (Security.org, 2023)

In America, there are 582,462 homeless people, increasing roughly 2,000 since the country's most recent full census was taken in 2020 (Security.org, 2023)

About 30% of the 582,462 people, 30% of them are experiencing chronic homelessness, meaning they have been unhoused for more than 12 months (Security.org, 2023)

About 582,000 Americans is about 18 per 10,000 people in the US experiencing homelessness (USAFacts, 2023).

HUD found that 60% of the people experiencing homelessness found shelter and resources through emergency shelters, safe havens, or transitional housing (Security.org, 2023)

Despite being just 0.26% of the US population, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders are 1.8% of the homeless population. They have the highest rate of homelessness in they nation at 121 per 10,000 people (USAFacts, 2023).

The majority of those who are homeless—24%—are Hispanic. This is greater than the Hispanic population's 19% national percentage (USAFacts, 2023).

Veterans experience homelessness at a rate of 20 per 10,000, which is higher than the national average of 18 per 10,000.

References:
Homelessness in america 2023: Statistics, analysis, & trends. Security.org. (2023, May 10). https://www.security.org/resources/homeless-statistics/#:~:text=Key%20Findings%3A,experiencing%20chronic%20patterns%20of%20homelessness.

USAFacts. (2023, May 23). How many homeless people are in the US? what does the data miss?. USAFacts. https://usafacts.org/articles/how-many-homeless-people-are-in-the-us-what-does-the-data-miss/

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Join the Movement to Break the Cycle of Homelessness: Take Action Today!

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Join the Movement to Break the Cycle of Homelessness: Take Action Today!

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Homelessness is a pressing issue that affects countless lives, eroding the very fabric of our society. It's time to rise up and advocate for change! We cannot ignore the plight of our fellow human beings who find themselves trapped in the vicious cycle of homelessness. By taking action together, we can create a lasting impact and break this cycle. Join us in our mission to provide support, empower individuals, and build a future where homelessness is a thing of the past.

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Start by spreading the word and raising awareness about the realities of homelessness. Share stories, statistics, and personal experiences to help others understand the challenges faced by those without a place to call home. Utilize social media, organize community events, and engage in conversations with friends, family, and colleagues to foster empathy and compassion.

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Get involved with local organizations and initiatives that work tirelessly to address homelessness in your community. Volunteer your time, skills, or resources to contribute directly to their efforts. Whether it's serving meals at a shelter, donating clothing and supplies, or assisting in job training programs, your involvement can make a significant difference in the lives of homeless individuals.

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Engage in advocacy to promote policy changes that prioritize homelessness prevention, affordable housing, and supportive services. Write letters, make phone calls, and meet with elected officials to express your concerns and urge them to take action. Support organizations working on policy reform and collaborate with them to advocate for comprehensive strategies that address the root causes of homelessness.

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Support initiatives that provide stable, affordable housing options for individuals experiencing homelessness. Advocate for the allocation of resources and funding to expand housing programs, including transitional housing, rapid rehousing, and permanent supportive housing. Encourage public-private partnerships to create innovative solutions and secure more housing units for those in need.

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Breaking the cycle of homelessness requires a collective effort. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including nonprofits, businesses, government agencies, and community members, to develop comprehensive solutions. By working together, we can pool our resources, expertise, and influence to create systemic change that transforms lives and communities.

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Education is key to ending homelessness. Support educational programs that empower individuals experiencing homelessness with the necessary skills and knowledge to regain stability and independence. Offer mentorship, job training, and educational opportunities to help break down barriers and provide pathways to sustainable employment and self-sufficiency.

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Challenge the stereotypes and stigmas associated with homelessness by fostering understanding and empathy. Engage in conversations that promote a compassionate and non-judgmental approach towards those experiencing homelessness. Encourage others to see the person behind the circumstance and to advocate for equal opportunities for all.

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Every individual deserves to have a safe and stable place to call home. Advocacy for the homeless community aligns with the principles of human rights, dignity, and social justice.

By advocating for the homeless, we work towards creating a society that values the well-being and inclusion of all its members, regardless of their housing status.

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- The 1640s saw the first occurrences of homelessness recorded in America.
- The first poor house in New York City was established in 1734 and functioned as a prison, mental hospital, and shelter for the homeless community.

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- Due to a massive influx of individuals moving to the Northeast during the industrial revolution in the 1820s, the number of persons who were homeless while looking for employment increased.
- The first significant government law to significantly increase homelessness was the Indian Removal Act, enacted by President Andrew Jackson in 1830.

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- Natural catastrophes and The Great Depression contributed to a dramatic rise in homelessness and unemployment in America.
- In 1933, the New Deal was established to reduce homelessness and generate income for Americans. By stabilizing prices and facilitating Americans' access to employment, the New Deal contributed to the end of the Great Depression; nevertheless, African Americans were mostly excluded from its initiatives.
- The Fair Housing Act was passed in 1968 to prohibit housing discrimination but was never completely implemented. People of color, particularly Black and Native Americans, have a greater risk of homelessness due to ongoing housing discrimination and gentrification.
- The HIV/AIDS pandemic throughout the 1980s contributed to a rise in homeless persons.

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"Florida has the third-largest homeless population in the United States at 27,487.  12,672 were unsheltered and 14,815 were sheltered.  The individuals experiencing homelessness include 5,182 (19%) long-term homeless with a disabling condition (chronic); 4,637 (17%) children under 18; 2,436 (9%) Veterans (Between 2015 and 2019, and 1,588 (6%) Youth aged 18-24" (FCEH 2020).

According to a 2019 research from the National Low Income Housing Coalition, the State of Florida has a shortage of 428,622 rental units available and affordable to low income renters (FCEH, 2020)

"Many areas with a high cost of living (in Florida), especially high housing costs, also have higher rates of homelessness (Stebbins, 2023).

In Florida, 5 out of 10 low-income* residents are either homeless or pay more than half of their income for rent. The majority do not receive government rental assistance owing to funding restrictions (FCEH 2020).

During the 2016–2017 academic year, an estimated 73,120 Florida schoolchildren resided in hotels, motels, doubled up with other families, shelters, or on the streets (FCEH 2020).

References:
Momo. (2015, December 11). The issue. Florida Coalition to End Homelessness. https://fchonline.org/the-issue/
Stebbins, S. (2022, January 29). Here’s how homelessness in Florida compares to the rest of the country. 247 Wall St. https://247wallst.com/state/heres-how-homelessness-in-florida-compares-to-the-rest-of-the-country/#:~:text=In%20Florida%2C%20an%20estimated%2027%2C487,have%20higher%20rates%20of%20homelessness.

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According to the Palm Beach Post, after the 2020 Point in Time Count of Palm Beach County, it was reported that more than 4,500 students were classified as homeless (2021)

Palm Beach County is ranked number 2 in Florida for children living in place not meant for human habitation (Palm Beach Post, 2021)

In Palm Beach County, there were 1,404 people who were either living on the streets or in shelters as of the previous year. The census for this year, which was conducted in January, revealed that there are 1,855 people (Cake, 2023).

Palm Beach County reported that about 70% of people counted during the Point-in-Time count were experiencing homelessness for the first time (Cake, 2023).

References:
Cake, S. (2023, June 10). Homeless numbers increase in Palm Beach County since last year. WPTV News Channel 5 West Palm. https://www.wptv.com/news/palm-beach-county/homeless-numbers-increase-in-palm-beach-county-since-last-year#:~:text=%E2%80%94%20New%20numbers%20from%20the%20Homeless,that%20count%20was%201%2C855%20people.

Palm Beach Post. (2021, March 4). Nonprofit spotlight: Family Promise Helps Put Folks in a Stable Home Environment. The Palm Beach Post. https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/lifestyle/2021/03/04/nonprofit-family-promise-aids-families-struggling-homelessness/6758599002/

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Homelessness is often a symptom of deeper systemic issues such as poverty, lack of affordable housing, mental illness, and substance abuse. Advocacy helps to address these underlying causes and push for comprehensive solutions.

By raising awareness and advocating for systemic change, we can promote policies and initiatives that prevent homelessness and provide long-term solutions.

References:

National Alliance to End Homelessness: State of Homelessness Report - https://endhomelessness.org/homelessness-in-america/homelessness-statistics/state-of-homelessness-report/

National Coalition for the Homeless: Causes of Homelessness - https://nationalhomeless.org/issues/causes-of-homelessness/

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Homelessness impacts the entire community. When individuals lack stable housing, it can lead to increased strain on public resources, including emergency services, healthcare systems, and social support networks.

Advocacy for the homeless community encourages the development of effective and coordinated responses to homelessness, which can alleviate the burden on public services and promote community well-being.

References:

National Health Care for the Homeless Council: Homelessness and Health - https://www.nhchc.org/resources/clinical-health-services/homelessness-healthNational Health Care for the Homeless Council: Homelessness and Health - https://www.nhchc.org/resources/clinical-health-services/homelessness-health//

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To advocate for increased awareness, support, and resources to combat homelessness in the community.

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Homelessness has economic consequences for both individuals and society as a whole. The cost of emergency services, healthcare utilization, and temporary shelter often exceeds the investment required for prevention, affordable housing, and support services.

By advocating for homelessness prevention and support programs, we can help break the cycle of homelessness and reduce the long-term economic impact on individuals, families, and communities.

References:

Economic Roundtable: The Cost of Homelessness - https://economicrt.org/publication/the-cost-of-homelessness-a-taxpayer-perspective/

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- Beginning in the early 2000s, local, state, and federal programs addressed homelessness and enacted measures to avoid it. However, individuals of color without housing were largely disregarded and not given any attention.
- In 2010, Jeff Olivet and Marc Dones from the Center for Social Innovation spoke at national and regional conferences about racism and homelessness. Information on homeless individuals of color was also shared via blogs and podcasts.
-  President Obama's administration published a federal strategic plan to eliminate homelessness in 2010, with the goal of eradicating long-term homelessness as well as homelessness among veterans, families, and young people within ten years.

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Advocacy raises public awareness about the complex realities faced by homeless individuals and challenges common misconceptions and stereotypes.

By promoting understanding and empathy, we can create a more compassionate society that supports and uplifts the homeless community rather than stigmatizing or marginalizing its members.

Refences:

National Alliance to End Homelessness: Stereotypes and Misconceptions About Homelessness - https://endhomelessness.org/resource/stereotypes-and-misconceptions/

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Advocacy efforts bring together stakeholders from various sectors, including government, nonprofits, businesses, and community members.

By working collaboratively, we can pool resources, share expertise, and create holistic solutions that address the multifaceted needs of the homeless community effectively.

References:

US Interagency Council on Homelessness: Local Collaboration Toolkit - https://www.usich.gov/tools-for-action/local-collaboration-toolkit/

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Chen, M. (2022, October 18). The history of homelessness in America. The HomeMore Project. https://thehomemoreproject.org/blog/the-history-of-homelessness-in-america

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Together, we have the power to break the cycle of homelessness and build a future where everyone has a place to call home. Let's take action today and join the movement to support individuals, address systemic issues, and create lasting change. Each step we take brings us closer to a society that prioritizes compassion, equality, and dignity for all. Stand up, speak out, and make a difference. The time to act is now!

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The condition of lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.

Definitions of homelessness. Definitions of Homelessness | SOAR Works! (n.d.). https://soarworks.samhsa.gov/article/definitions-of-homelessness

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- In 2021, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Biden signed the American Rescue Plan, which commits $5 billion to the creation of affordable housing, tenant-based rental assistance, supportive services, and acquisition and development of non-congregate shelter units to aid those who are homeless.
- There is currently a lot of work to still be done

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Advocating for the homeless community is vital for promoting social justice, addressing root causes, improving community health and safety, considering economic factors, fostering empathy, and encouraging collaboration. By raising our voices and taking action, we can strive to create a society that ensures everyone has access to safe, affordable housing and the support they need to thrive.

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Individuals living in domestic violence shelters, transitional housing, safe havens that serve homeless individuals with mental illness, or hotels/motels (USAFacts, 2023).

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Individuals whom live outside, in cars, abandoned buildings, or other places not meant for human habitation (USAFacts, 2023).

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USAFacts. (2023, May 23). How many homeless people are in the US? what does the data miss?. USAFacts. https://usafacts.org/articles/how-many-homeless-people-are-in-the-us-what-does-the-data-miss/