Homeless People Facts

Interested in learning homeless people facts? When it comes to the homeless in America, only some of the homeless children are counted. The number of homeless children that are enrolled in public schools in America is over 1,500,000.  That's the number reported by the National Center for Homeless Education.  The number of children that came forward to admit their situation.  But as we know, not everyone will come forward to admit a difficult situation. That number does not include the kids that dropped out or just left school, the children that are home schooled, or the children that are in private schools.

More Homeless People Facts

We really do not know just how many people in America are experiencing homelessness. Yes, the number of people sleeping in shelters can be counted, yes, we can count the number of children enrolled in public schools.  But what we can not count are the number of people that are not in those locations, living with friends or relatives, living on the streets or in the woods, existing in vacant buildings and other locations.

How Do People Become Homeless

It's easier than you think.  Especially when an emergency situation drains your savings, or when you're under-employed, or loose your job. Mental illness accounts for approximately 25% of the homeless population. 

Imagine for just a minute, that a natural disaster or fire strikes, and insurance was not within your budget.  Not only have you lost all of your personal memorabilia, but you're without a place to live, and no way to re-build.  Or perhaps you did have insurance, but just not enough coverage.

Imagine for just a minute, that you're a teen, and you're situation at home is abusive.  Do you do your best to get into trouble at school so that you can stay later?  Do you wander aimlessly and try to only go home when you think it's safe?  Do they even care if you come home.

Imagine for just a moment, that you're with a foster family.  You're 18th birthday is near.  You've already been told that you'd have to leave.

The answer to how do people become homeless varies by situation.  The homeless people facts speak only for those that came forward to tell their story.