It's a myth that all homeless are also jobless. In fact, many homeless are employed, but the lack of affordable housing keeps them in shelters, their cars, or on the streets. According to the U.S. Conference of Mayors Survey on Hunger and Homelessness, in the 27 cities surveyed the average length of time people are homeless is 3-6 months. And although an increasing number of families with children are seeking emergency shelter, it can take as long as 12 months for them to find affordable housing.
Find out if your city took part in the survey and how it is addressing the problem of homelessness.
Use the resources below for more information on the causes of homelessness and what is being done about it.
Educate yourself about homelessness.
National Alliance to End Homelessness
National Coalition for the Homeless
National Network for Youth
The Partnership For the Homeless