Homelessness is defined as "anyone who does not have a regular or fixed nighttime residence that is adequate for their needs," or "individuals who live in a temporary institution, a shelter, welfare hotels, or anywhere that is not fit for a human to sleep in".
Homelessness Facts
About 553,742 people are homelessness in America on a given night
About 40,799 youth are homeless in America
About 40,056 veterans are homeless in America
About 20-25% of homeless in America suffer from a type of mental illness, compared to 6% nationally
About 408,150 families with children are homeless
About 369,081 individuals are homeless
About 35% of the homeless are unsheltered and on the street
The number of homeless has risen for the first time in 7 years (increased from 2016 to 2017)
For every 10,000 people in America, 17 are homeless
From 2007 to 2017, homelessness has decreased by 14%
Around 61% of the homeless are men, and 39% are women
This information is based off of the 2017 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report to Congress by the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Developments.