Monday, February 16, 2009

Statistics and Facts

Homeless in the United States
  • About 600,000 families and 2.35 million children experience homelessness in the U.S.
  • National average age of a homeless person is 6 years old
  • 50-60% of homeless population suffers from some form of diagnosable mental illness

Homeless in Albuquerque, NM

  • Estimated homeless population in Albuquerque: 12,000-15,000
  • About 1,600 families are homeless in Albuquerque on any given night
  • 40% of homeless are families with young children

2 comments:

  1. Wow, the number of statistics on homeless children is heart-breaking!

    I recall seeing a homeless woman sleeping in the mid-morning hours near the Lobo statue by the corner of University and Central. She had a duffel bag, and two small children with her.

    The children played quietly nearby in the grass, while their mother slept. I can only imagine that she stayed awake all night to watch over them while they slept.

    Sights like that are brutal reminders that homelessness can happen to anyone. It really struck me that this issue is one of the most important ways people can make a difference right now in their community.

    Keep up the good work!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow, those are some pretty incredible statistics. What exactly is Pennies for the Homeless doing to fix those stats? I know that you have a fashion show every year but where does the money go from there? Does P. for the H. have an actual headquarters or is like a network?

    ReplyDelete

 
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