State of Homelessness in America

The study tallied changes in homelessness nationwide from 2008 to 2009 and found that the number of homeless people increased 3 percent and the number of homeless families increased 4 percent.

According to the report, 31 states and Washington, D.C. reported increases in the total number of homeless people. The largest increase was in Louisiana, where the homeless population doubled. The rise is attributed to a number of factors, including rising housing costs and foreclosure rates.

The report also explores four demographic populations vulnerable to homelessness: people living in doubled up situations, people recently released from prison, young adults aging out of foster care and uninsured people. The report includes policy considerations to relieve these at-risk populations, in addition to suggesting broader interventions and strategies to reduce homelessness.

The data are from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human services. The report was published in January 2011 by the National Alliance to End Homelessness, a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization that analyzes policy and develops solutions for homelessness.
 

Read the report.