Homelessness

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)

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)

Grants will be awarded through the Continuum of Care programKTVA 11: Nearly $1.6B. in Homeless Grants Awarded to Nationwide Programs (February 19, 2009)

Texas, California and Louisiana house the most homeless kidsTime Magazine: Report Says 1 in 50 U.S. Kids Are Homeless (March 9, 2009)

In 2005 through 2007, homelessness in the U.S. was on a decline, falling 18%. more people were able to get employment to be able to support themselves an their family. This decline was short-lived, in 2008, homelessness became more widespread due to numerous factors including unemployment and the rising prices of gas and food.

Causes of homelessness include lack of affordable housing, lack of health care, domestic violence, mental illness and substance abusePBS: Homeless Facts and FiguresThe Courier-Journal: Homelessness Traps More Families (February 19, 2009)