Facts on Homelessness
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A person who is homeless does not have a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence. This person may be sleeping on the streets, with friends or family, in cars or abandoned buildings or in shelters. Approximately ten percent of the homeless population lives on the street.
What Causes Homelessness? • Poverty from a lack of jobs at competitive living wages • A lack of adequate public supports and/or earned benefits • Lack of affordable housing and inadequate housing assistance • Lack of affordable health care • Domestic violence • Mental Health challenges • Substance use
People who live on the street, in cars, abandoned buildings, train/bus stations, abandoned buildings, and other places not meant for human habitation are referred to as "unsheltered," while those living in known shelters are "sheltered."
How Many People Are Homeless in Philadelphia?
A study conducted in 2012 found that 12,053 individuals experienced homelessness in Philadelphia. A total of 5,570 unsheltered individuals were engaged by homeless outreach organizations.
What Kinds of People Experience Homelessness in Philadelphia? People are homeless are reflective of the general population – old and young, racially diverse, single individuals and families.
Racial distribution Race/Ethnicity Percentage Hispanic 1.32% Black 51.55% White 6.64% Several Races 1.04% Unknown 38.9%
Behavioral Health: Many people experiencing homelessness have mental health challenges and substance use issues. Barriers to quality physical and behavioral health services make it difficult for these individuals to find appropriate care.
• Mental Health Issues: 12.1% • Substance Abuse Challenges: 12% • Dual Diagnosis: 70% • NO Behavioral Health Issue: 5.9%
Age Distribution Children in families constitute a significant portion of the shelter population on any given night. In 2011 the number of children sheltered in emergency shelters and transitional housing totaled 4,495.
Gender by % of Total Homeless Population: Female (adult) Male (adult) 31.31% 38.92% Female (children) Male (children) 15.01% 14.5% (Includes emergency shelters and transitional housing)
Single versus Family Single Family 53.60% 46.40% (Includes emergency shelters and transitional housing)
A May 2013 street census counted approximately 494 individuals living on the street in the areas counted. It is difficult to calculate the exact number of homeless people living on the street, considering the number of individuals that live in obscure park areas, vehicles, or abandoned houses. The number of homeless people living on the street fluctuates seasonally and tends to rise in the summer months.
Date of Count Number: January 2012 - 372 May 2012 - 574 August 2012 - 588 November 2012 - 434
Read more from Marti Burt for the Urban Institute
1. Develop effective solutions for those on the street including targeted outreach and appropriate facilities and services, particularly for persons with substance-abuse and mental-health problems.
2. Strengthen the system of shelter and services that enable homeless persons to make the transition to stability and job readiness.
3. Provide permanent solutions– jobs and housing–so that people can break the cycle of homelessness and become stable and productive citizens.
4. Strengthen homelessness prevention programs so that no one ends up in shelters or on the streets. This includes reinvesting in economically vulnerable neighborhoods; improving the school system; making sure people have access to health care; and providing jobs at a living wage.
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