Facts About Homelessness

Domestic and sexual violence are among the leading contributors to homelessness for women?
One of the fastest growing groups currently experiencing homelessness are seniors?
Many homeless people work - and many work full time?
Being homeless can take 20-30 years off a person’s life?
One of the fastest growing groups currently experiencing homelessness are seniors?
More than half those experiencing homelessness do so as part of families with children?

HUD (The Department of Housing and Urban Development) recently finished its 2023 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report. Here are some key findings-

While Florida ranks 16th among states for the number of unhoused people per capita, with 25,959 people currently experiencing homelessness, it has the 3rd largest number in the country.
Nationwide, the Tampa-St. Pete metropolitan area has the highest rate of homelessness in the nation with 57 homeless for every 10,000 residents
9% of those living unhoused in Florida are US military veterans.
16% of Florida’s homeless population is chronically homeless, meaning they’ve been without homes for more than 12 months, or have experienced extended periods of extended homelessness over the past three years.

Factors that contribute to homelessness in Florida-

Florida’s Council on Homelessness has found the biggest contributors to homelessness in Florida to be-

Lack of affordable and accessible housing. In fact, studies have shown Florida to rank in the bottom ten- 41st- for housing affordability.
Unemployment and low wage jobs. The US Census backs them up: in 2021 the typical household in Florida earns $63,062 per year, the 15th lowest median household income among states, and $6,655 less than the national median.
Inadequate access to physical and behavioral healthcare. With 51% of bankruptcies in the country