Statistics & Studies: 1999 Snap Shot Survey of the Homeless


Since 1989, the International Union of Gospel Missions has surveyed over 100 rescue missions that make are part of it's US membership on the third Friday of October.   Conducted in order to determine the demographic makeup of the people they serve, the statistics presented below reveal some important trends in the problem of homeless in the United States.
1999 1998
Gender
Male 77% 78%
Female 23% 22%
Age Groups
Under 18 11% 12%
18-25 10% 10%
26-35 21% 23%
36-45 29% 30%
46-65 24% 21%
65+ 5% 5%
Race/Ethnic Groups
Caucasian 42% 40%
Afro-American 39% 42%
Hispanic 14% 12%
Asian 1% 2%
Native American 4% 5%
Families Served
Couples 12% 12%
Women with children 67% 66%
Men with children 5% 7%
Intact Families 16% 16%
Other Information
Veterans - Male 30% 32%
Veterans - Female 3% 4%
Served in Korea 16% 8%
Served in Vietnam 38% 42%
Served in Persian Gulf War 8% 8%
Homeless less than 1 year 69% 61%
Never before homeless 33% N/A
Homeless once before 29% N/A
Homeless twice before 17% N/A
Homeless 3 or more times before 20% N/A
More than 6 month resident of city 76% 72%
Unemployed in last 6 months 54% 52%
Lost Gov't Benefits last 12 months 17% 22%
Prefer programs with spiritual emphasis 81% 79%
In long-term rehab - Male 30% 32%
In long-term rehab - Female 19% 25%
 

 


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