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• The term "homelessness" refers to a person who does not have an adequate place to live. Homelessness is defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as a situation where a person lacks a "fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence."HUD: Federal Definition of Homelessness

  In February 2009, HUD's Secretary Shaun Donovan announced that $1.6 billion would be given in grants to over 6,300 state and community groups that assist the homeless. The money is intended to fund emergency shelters, outreach programs, transitional housing and permanent housing programs.CNN Wire: $1.6 Billion Aimed to cut Homelessness (February 19, 2009)

• Fast Facts

  1. The National Alliance to End Homelessness estimates that the recession could leave 1.5 million people homeless by 2011[1]
  2. Causes of homelessness include lack of affordable housing, lack of health care, domestic violence, mental illness and substance abusePBS: Homeless Facts and Figures
  3. In 2009, there was in increase of the amount of homeless students in the Washington, DC areaFOXNews.com: Educators See Spike in Number of Homeless Students (February 9, 2009)
  4. Approximately 40% of men who are homeless are veteransPBS: Homeless Facts and Figures
  5. In 2009, New York City' Department of Homeless Services reported a 38% increase in the numbers of families seeking homelessness assistanceGothamist: NYC Homicides, Syphilis, Homelessness Up in Fiscal Year '09 (February 19, 2009)
  6. Grants will be awarded through the Continuum of Care programKTVA 11: Nearly $1.6B. in Homeless Grants Awarded to Nationwide Programs (February 19, 2009)
  7. Over 6,300 local homeless programs will be fundedKTVA 11: Nearly $1.6B. in Homeless Grants Awarded to Nationwide Programs (February 19, 2009)
  8. 24 million will be given to create new programs to help homeless families acquire housing quicklyKTVA 11: Nearly $1.6B. in Homeless Grants Awarded to Nationwide Programs (February 19, 2009)
  9. Texas, California and Louisiana house the most homeless kidsTime Magazine: Report Says 1 in 50 U.S. Kids Are Homeless (March 9, 2009)

• Homeless Surge

  Homelessness in the U.S. was on a decline, falling 18% between 2005 and 2007. In 2008, homelessness became more widespread due to numerous factors including unemployment and the rising prices of gas and food. Both Massachusetts and New York State reported a spike in the numbers of families needing the assistance of homeless shelters in 2008.The Courier-Journal: Homelessness Traps More Families (February 19, 2009)

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Poverty | Brenden Foster | EDAR | U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

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