Families are the Largest and Fastest Growing Segment of the Homeless Population

Fri, 11 May 2012 16:57:43 +0000

by David M Peterson

Just thirty years ago, it was rare indeed to hear that any family was homeless, but the economic scenario of the country has changed in these past 7 years. Now families are the largest growing segment of the homeless population in the country. The recent economic recession has been the worst since the Great Depression, putting many families on the streets, and with no other place to go they are turning up in homeless shelters such as Hope Haven Gospel Mission.

It’s been estimated that at least 4 out of every 10 families have been left homeless due to the failing economy. The statistics also estimates that 4 out every 50 children live in homeless shelters. Families living in these shelters with children going to school have done their best to pay the fees associated with school, (so that their children can continue their education and have chance for a better life) but is isn’t easy.

Families living in homeless shelters also find that staying with so many other people who are equally frustrated with their own situation, can be quite strenuous. One out of every four families living in a homeless shelter have found themselves in a situation where they have to contend with others over the very basic items needed for day to day living.

At least 2 families out of every 5 living in homeless shelters have seen their jobs disappear due to the terrible economy, and are now living on welfare. When they couldn’t pay the rent, and the landlord refused to allow them to stay in their home, they invariably found themselves looking for shelter. It has also been estimated that nationwide, the number of homeless families have been growing at an alarming 13 percent per year.

The most common observation made regarding homeless families is the disbelief regarding their homeless situation. “How could this have happened to us” is the question many ask. For children as young as eight years, being homeless can be traumatic as they don’t want their friends to know they no longer have a home. A sense of stigma has always been attached to being homeless. But the recent economic recession has left many families with no choice, and the situation is becoming alarmingly common in most states across the nation.

Children of families living in shelters also see their school grades dropping! The statistics estimate that� children observe a massive 16 percent drop in proficiency of English and Math, only a quarter of all the children living in the homeless shelters graduate from high school.

The government has made efforts to bail out the economy and also doled out almost $1.5 billion in funds to provide subsidized housing and the construction of affordable housing units. However, staff working in these homeless shelters say that either the money comes in too late or it is never sufficient to provide for the growing number of homeless families. The only thing that usually binds everyone together is a hope for a better tomorrow.

copyright�2012 Hope Haven Gospel Mission

Hope Haven Homeless Ministries Network: News

Families are the Largest and Fastest Growing Segment of the Homeless Population