Homelessness in the United States
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Homelessness is a world wide issue that can happen to anyone. Financial hardship such as job loss, eviction, foreclosure, and poor/lack of budgeting can lead to homelessness. Common misconceptions:
With nearly 300 million people in the US, many are at risk for homelessness (people who are living below 200% of the poverty level). Becoming homeless is a sad reality when an individual is spending over 50-60% of his/her take home money on rent. |
Interesting Statistics
- In January 2015, 564,708 people were homeless on a given night in the United States.
- Of that number, 206,286 were people in families, and 358,422 were individuals.
- About 15 percent of the homeless population - 83,170 - are considered "chronically homeless” individuals.
- About 2 percent - 13,105 - are considered "chronically homeless” people in families.
- About 8 percent of homeless people- 47,725 - are veterans.
- Homelessness in St. Johns County rose by 16% from 2008 to 2013
Florida
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St. Johns County
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Homelessness is, in fact, caused by tragic life occurrences like the loss of loved ones, job loss, domestic violence, and divorce and family disputes. Many factors push people into living on the street" (FutureInHumanity).
Veterans |
Women |
Veterans are 50% more likely to become homeless than other Americans due to poverty, lack of support networks, and dismal living conditions in overcrowded or substandard housing.
About 1.5 million veterans are considered at-risk of homelessness. At risk is defined as being below the poverty level and paying more than 50% of household income on rent. It also includes households with a member who has a disability, a person living alone, and those who are not in the labor force. Nearly half a million (467,877) veterans are severely rent burdened and paying more than 50% of their income for rent. More than half (55%) of veterans with severe housing cost burden fell below the poverty level and 43% receive food stamps. The Department of Veterans Affairs works tirelessly to help these homeless veterans, and in 2009 they helped about 92,000 homeless veterans. However, the department reaches only 20% of those in need, leaving 400,000 veterans without supportive services. |
Many single women are homeless from trying to escape difficult situations like domestic abuse.
1 in 3 women (and 1 in 4 men) have been victims of some form of physical violence by an intimate partner within their lifetime. On a typical day, there are more than 20,000 phone calls placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide. Often times, women try to escape these circumstances by taking their children and just leaving empty handed.' Divorce and family dispute are other common reasons why some women end up homeless. Some women don't only end up homeless from domestic violence, divorce, or family dispute, but also from the loss of a loved one, job loss, or other financial hardships. |
Local Partner
St. Francis is a local homeless shelter in Old St. Augustine that provides housing, a soup kitchen, emergency services, a food pantry, and client support. Over the past 30 years, St. Francis has saved and changed many lives through the services they provide. St. Francis takes in people who are in need and gives them all the utilities, food supply, and counseling they need to get back on their feet.
www.stfrancisshelter.org
www.stfrancisshelter.org
70 Washington St, St Augustine, FL 32084
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MAIN: (904) 829-8937
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Want to Help?
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Items Needed: Any and all food items, cash donations, medical supplies (aspirin, band aids, rubbing alcohol, etc), clothes, gift cards, and any personal hygiene items.
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