A homeless man and his dog

I ran across this powerful picture which lead me to a bit of research on the homeless problem.

1. Although difficult to measure, it is estimated that between 2.3 and 3.5 million people will experience homelessness.
2. The states with the highest rates of homelessness? Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington State, and Washington, D.C.
3. Of the homeless, about 1 in 50 are children.
4. Reasons for homelessness?  For families: lack of affordable housing, poverty, and unemployment.  For single persons: substance abuse, lack of affordable housing, mental illness.
5. Nearly 1/2 work part-time or full-time jobs.
6. Many have been released from prison, hospitals, or the armed forces and have nowhere to live.
7. Veterans account for 34% of the general male population but about 40% of homeless men are veterans.
8. And their health?  Over 1/3 report alcohol abuse problems or mental abuse problems while over half report chronic health problems such as cancer, high blood pressure, or diabetes.
9. Polls found that 60 percent of those surveyed indicated a willingness to pay more taxes to help people who are homeless.