Source: The National Alliance to End Homelessness, January 11, 2011. A new report out by NAEH: The State of Homelessness in America in 2011. This report analyzes the effect the recession has had on homelessness and how it has contributed to an increased risk of homelessness for many Americans. It found that rising unemployment and housing costs have contributed to a rise in homelessness. Major Findings:
The nation’s homeless population increased by approximately 20,000 people (3%) from 2008 to 2009 (which included increases of people in all subpopulations of homelessness)
A majority – 31 of 50 states and Washington D.C. – had increases in their homelessness counts
Among subpopulations, the largest increase was the number of family households, which increased by over 3,200 (4%).
Though Vermont fared well during the foreclosure crisis, it still has one of the highest homelessness increases in the nation. Our incomes have not increased much (8.6%) and our population has remained cost burdened which is forcing more families in to homelessness than ever before. Major Vermont Findings from 2008 – 2009:
VT is 1 of 14 states with the highest increase in homelessness
Total homeless population increased 27.5% (Indicator higher than national average of 3.11%)
Chronic Homelessness decreased 42.74%
Family homelessness increased 59.33% (Indicator higher than national average of 2.64%)
Unsheltered homeless population decreased by 39.15%
VT had the lowest foreclosure rates for 2009
76.15% of poor households were severely cost burdened in 2009 (Indicator rate is higher than the national average of 74.22%)
Our unemployment rate increased 54.66%
Working poor average income increased 8.6%
The number of people doubled up increased by 56.51%
More information: executive report, full report, NAEH website.