| Who Are the Homeless? |
When you see someone in shabby clothes panhandling, do you assume they are
homeless? Do you expect that labor workers have a home to go back to after a hard
day's work? The opposite may be true.
homeless? Do you expect that labor workers have a home to go back to after a hard
day's work? The opposite may be true.
How Many People are Homeless?
A study by HUD (PDF file), based on surveys on a single night in January 2009, indicated
643,067 homeless. In the one year period, Oct. '08 to Sept. '09, 1,558,917 homeless persons
had used an emergency shelter or transitional housing. The actual total may be significantly
higher since many homeless don't frequent the places where surveys were taken, or don't
want to be counted. The HUD report was based on data from 2,988 counties and 1,056 cities.
A study by HUD (PDF file), based on surveys on a single night in January 2009, indicated
643,067 homeless. In the one year period, Oct. '08 to Sept. '09, 1,558,917 homeless persons
had used an emergency shelter or transitional housing. The actual total may be significantly
higher since many homeless don't frequent the places where surveys were taken, or don't
want to be counted. The HUD report was based on data from 2,988 counties and 1,056 cities.
The Working Homeless
Most homeless people who are capable of working do so, though it's usually intermittent or
part-time. According to a survey in Pinellas County FL, 33% worked some during the previous
week. A Tallahassee FL survey indicated that 18% did day-labor work. Day-labor is usually
minimum wage, day-by-day, manual labor such as digging or cleanup on construction sites or
loading trucks, and is usually more physically demanding that many are capable of. While
being homeless most other jobs are out of reach.
Most homeless people who are capable of working do so, though it's usually intermittent or
part-time. According to a survey in Pinellas County FL, 33% worked some during the previous
week. A Tallahassee FL survey indicated that 18% did day-labor work. Day-labor is usually
minimum wage, day-by-day, manual labor such as digging or cleanup on construction sites or
loading trucks, and is usually more physically demanding that many are capable of. While
being homeless most other jobs are out of reach.
Unable to Keep Meaningful Work
The HUD report indicated that 62% of the sheltered homeless did not have a disability,
suggesting that about 38% did have a disability of some type.
Some problems, such as back pain, prevent many from doing labor work while not qualifying
for disability or any assistance beyond food-stamp money. While less physically demanding,
indoor jobs demand good personal hygiene, which is extremely difficult if not sheltered, plus
having the appropriate education.
The HUD report indicated that 62% of the sheltered homeless did not have a disability,
suggesting that about 38% did have a disability of some type.
Some problems, such as back pain, prevent many from doing labor work while not qualifying
for disability or any assistance beyond food-stamp money. While less physically demanding,
indoor jobs demand good personal hygiene, which is extremely difficult if not sheltered, plus
having the appropriate education.
Where do they Live?
There is shelter space for only a percentage of the homeless. The HUD report indicated 63%
were sheltered, in emergency shelters (probably only at night for a limited time) or in
transitional housing. About 37% were unsheltered, such as living on the street, in cars, in
abandoned buildings, camping on unused land, or other places not intended for human
habitation. Some may stay temporarily with friends, but by definition are still homeless.
Often it's a choice between camping in a hidden place or openly with a group. Either way it's
to avoid those who enjoy beating and robbing the homeless. Homeless people who have
been on the street for some time are aware of how dangerous it can be.
There is shelter space for only a percentage of the homeless. The HUD report indicated 63%
were sheltered, in emergency shelters (probably only at night for a limited time) or in
transitional housing. About 37% were unsheltered, such as living on the street, in cars, in
abandoned buildings, camping on unused land, or other places not intended for human
habitation. Some may stay temporarily with friends, but by definition are still homeless.
Often it's a choice between camping in a hidden place or openly with a group. Either way it's
to avoid those who enjoy beating and robbing the homeless. Homeless people who have
been on the street for some time are aware of how dangerous it can be.
Military Service
The HUD report indicated 11.1% of sheltered homeless are veterans (compared to 9.7% of
the population).
According to the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, nearly 200,000 veterans are homeless and many
young veterans who served in the mid-east are joining them. (Newsweek 2/24/07)
The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans states that 200,000, veterans are homeless on
any given night and 400,000 veterans experience homelessness during the course of a year.
The HUD report indicated 11.1% of sheltered homeless are veterans (compared to 9.7% of
the population).
According to the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, nearly 200,000 veterans are homeless and many
young veterans who served in the mid-east are joining them. (Newsweek 2/24/07)
The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans states that 200,000, veterans are homeless on
any given night and 400,000 veterans experience homelessness during the course of a year.
Families with Children
The HUD survey indicated that more than a third of the homeless were part of a family
(defined as a household with an adult 18 or older and at least one child). While women with
children get high priority for assistance, still hundreds of thousands are on the street.
From a Time Magazine article, 3/10/09:
"The National Center on Family Homelessness released a report today that estimates that one
in every 50 American children was homeless between 2005 and 2006."
If homeless families attempt to improve their situation by sharing a rental with others, such as
two or three families in a single family dwelling, it just disqualifies them for assistance by
government regulations. In order to qualify for assistance they must be on the street or in a
shelter. It also means they are unlikely to be counted as homeless.
The HUD survey indicated that more than a third of the homeless were part of a family
(defined as a household with an adult 18 or older and at least one child). While women with
children get high priority for assistance, still hundreds of thousands are on the street.
From a Time Magazine article, 3/10/09:
"The National Center on Family Homelessness released a report today that estimates that one
in every 50 American children was homeless between 2005 and 2006."
If homeless families attempt to improve their situation by sharing a rental with others, such as
two or three families in a single family dwelling, it just disqualifies them for assistance by
government regulations. In order to qualify for assistance they must be on the street or in a
shelter. It also means they are unlikely to be counted as homeless.
Age and Education
The largest age group in the HUD study, at 38%, were those age 31 to 50. Most homeless
don't have a high school diploma, yet some have a college degree. An education which would
qualify a person for good paying work doesn't help without housing, transportation, and other
basic necessities needed to maintain a job.
The largest age group in the HUD study, at 38%, were those age 31 to 50. Most homeless
don't have a high school diploma, yet some have a college degree. An education which would
qualify a person for good paying work doesn't help without housing, transportation, and other
basic necessities needed to maintain a job.
The Chronic Homeless
Often those who are on the street for over a year are termed "chronic". Many people who just
lost their homes and good jobs, but have family who will help, contacts in the community, and
good references, manage to soon get housing and back to work. Many others don't and get
caught in the endless cycle of programs that maintain the homeless without addressing their
problems.
Often those who are on the street for over a year are termed "chronic". Many people who just
lost their homes and good jobs, but have family who will help, contacts in the community, and
good references, manage to soon get housing and back to work. Many others don't and get
caught in the endless cycle of programs that maintain the homeless without addressing their
problems.
Disability Benefits
About 10 to 15% of homeless received SSI or SSDI. Either may amount to only a few hundred
a month. Many had to take early social security, with a considerable reduction in payments.
Many homeless, even though having disabilities to qualify for disability payments, do not
apply or fail to complete the application process. With assistance to deal with the process,
many could be at least get some benefits.
Even with disability benefits, such as $637/month on SSI, many are still homeless as they
can't afford the cost of an apartment plus utilities, food, and other living expenses.
About 10 to 15% of homeless received SSI or SSDI. Either may amount to only a few hundred
a month. Many had to take early social security, with a considerable reduction in payments.
Many homeless, even though having disabilities to qualify for disability payments, do not
apply or fail to complete the application process. With assistance to deal with the process,
many could be at least get some benefits.
Even with disability benefits, such as $637/month on SSI, many are still homeless as they
can't afford the cost of an apartment plus utilities, food, and other living expenses.
Are Panhandlers Homeless?
Of the homeless I'm familiar with, relatively few will panhandle. In some urban areas you may
see several panhandlers, but that's a trivial number compared to the total homeless
population.
I've seen some panhandlers with crutches (while not using them), and ragged clothes (which
they change out of when they get home). If you have actually been homeless you can spot
these phonies a mile away. They never show up at programs for assistance since they have
an adequate income. Some skilled in panhandling may make a substantial amount, and do it
regularly like a job. Meanwhile, those doing honest labor are fortunate to get $60 in a day,
when and if they get any work.
I was once confronted by an older man in ragged clothes asking for money for food. I told him
about a free dinner going on at a church nearby. He replyed "No thanks, I'm not hungry". Just
because someone looks poor and homeless doesn't mean they are.
Of the homeless I'm familiar with, relatively few will panhandle. In some urban areas you may
see several panhandlers, but that's a trivial number compared to the total homeless
population.
I've seen some panhandlers with crutches (while not using them), and ragged clothes (which
they change out of when they get home). If you have actually been homeless you can spot
these phonies a mile away. They never show up at programs for assistance since they have
an adequate income. Some skilled in panhandling may make a substantial amount, and do it
regularly like a job. Meanwhile, those doing honest labor are fortunate to get $60 in a day,
when and if they get any work.
I was once confronted by an older man in ragged clothes asking for money for food. I told him
about a free dinner going on at a church nearby. He replyed "No thanks, I'm not hungry". Just
because someone looks poor and homeless doesn't mean they are.
Dinner at the Haven of Rest Mission, Pinellas Park
FL. Photo: Alex Pickett.
While homeless people go to free public meals, it's
not just the homeless. Many people on fixed
incomes can't afford food after paying the rent and
utilities, and could very easily become homeless if
the rent goes up.
FL. Photo: Alex Pickett.
While homeless people go to free public meals, it's
not just the homeless. Many people on fixed
incomes can't afford food after paying the rent and
utilities, and could very easily become homeless if
the rent goes up.
Survey results used here may be found at:
pinellashomeless.org for Pinellas County. FL
tallahasseech.org for Tallahassee FL.
The HUD (Dept. of Housing and Urban
development) website is hud.gov.
The latest HUD report was released June 2010.
PDF copy of report
Also see The National Coalition for the Homeless
website: nationalhomeless.org.
The Links page has more references.
pinellashomeless.org for Pinellas County. FL
tallahasseech.org for Tallahassee FL.
The HUD (Dept. of Housing and Urban
development) website is hud.gov.
The latest HUD report was released June 2010.
PDF copy of report
Also see The National Coalition for the Homeless
website: nationalhomeless.org.
The Links page has more references.
 | |  |
Do these workers have homes? Maybe, but a
substantial number of those doing hard labor jobs,
and dirty jobs that no-one else wants, are homeless.
substantial number of those doing hard labor jobs,
and dirty jobs that no-one else wants, are homeless.
I've noticed that some people will be violently opposed to a homeless program being
developed near where they live on the grounds that "it will bring homeless people and crime
into their neighborhood". They obviously don't comprehend that the homeless are around
them every day. It's just that the homeless they see don't fit the "homeless bum" stereotype
that they've learned to accept.
developed near where they live on the grounds that "it will bring homeless people and crime
into their neighborhood". They obviously don't comprehend that the homeless are around
them every day. It's just that the homeless they see don't fit the "homeless bum" stereotype
that they've learned to accept.
| homelessamerican.com |
| homelessamerican.com |
In Pinellas County FL a simple one bedroom
apartment goes for over $600/month plus utilities.
A "cheap" rental trailer is around $500/month, and
if you don't use air conditoning it's intolerable.
Trailer parks are being continually being leveled
to make room for expensive condos or businesses
while those forced out often cannot afford other
housing.
The waiting list for section 8 (subsidized) housing
is three or more years nationally.
In Florida, many rentals operate under motel laws
which allow the landlord to evict anyone
immediately, without any prior notice. Get just a
little behind on the rent and you're suddenly
homeless.
apartment goes for over $600/month plus utilities.
A "cheap" rental trailer is around $500/month, and
if you don't use air conditoning it's intolerable.
Trailer parks are being continually being leveled
to make room for expensive condos or businesses
while those forced out often cannot afford other
housing.
The waiting list for section 8 (subsidized) housing
is three or more years nationally.
In Florida, many rentals operate under motel laws
which allow the landlord to evict anyone
immediately, without any prior notice. Get just a
little behind on the rent and you're suddenly
homeless.
Other Statistics
Of the sheltered homeless (in an emergency shelter or transitional housing), 78% are adult,
61% are male, 62% are members of a minority group.
Of the sheltered homeless (in an emergency shelter or transitional housing), 78% are adult,
61% are male, 62% are members of a minority group.