Homeless in the United States

Over 3,500,000 people are homeless in the United States. Contrary to myth, not all homeless are alcoholics and
drug addicts. The majority are single mothers with children under the age of five. Many are families fleeing domestic violence.

Abused LGBT youths who are thrown out of their homes and those who age out of foster care are also at risk.

Poverty is a major factor. The working poor, with minimum wage jobs, cannot afford the rising rents in popular urban areas. Wages have not kept up with inflation and landlords are taking advantage of housing shortages to charge the highest rents the market can bear.

Many landlords require good credit and an income of 2 to 3 times the rent to qualify.

Seniors are disadvantaged and at risk. The average Social Security income is $1300 per month. With utilities, food, medicine and medical insurance, seniors without rent controlled or subsidized housing need over $2000 a month to live. Unless they have an independent source of income or a large retirement fund, they can only afford a room in someone else's house or apartment, often an unstable situation.

Many singles and families are only one paycheck away from being homeless. Loss of a job is the number one cause of homelessness and unexpected expenses or illness can result in not being able to pay the rent.

Once homeless, it is harder to keep or find a job and raise the money needed for a security deposit, first and last month's rent. If there is an eviction on the record, it is almost impossible to find another place to live.

About 25% or more of the homeless are alcoholics or drug addicts. Another 30% plus have chronic mental health problems, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression. 7-10% are returning veterans with PTSD. They all cannot improve their condition without housing and supportive services first.

To see a video about homelessness and its causes, click here.

Both the government and private sector need to be involved in finding viable solutions to the homeless crisis.
Better legal protections are needed to stop displacement of long-term low-renters by landlords seeking higher profits.

Cities must require all new buildings to have a minimum number of affordable units and allocate more funds for building affordable housing to meet the growing need.

More community outreach and supportive services must be provided for those who are homeless to help them obtain stable housing, employment and overcome addictions.

Federal subsidies are needed. Section 8 vouchers or HUD units should be provided for those with chronic physical or mental health problems that prevent them from working and supporting themselves.

Los Angeles chronically homeless population grew by 55% since 2013, Most of them are sleeping on the streets.

The following resources are available for the homeless in the Los Angeles area:

Path - People Assisting the Homeless
340 N. Madison Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90004
Phone: (323) 644-2200
www.epath.org

The Center in Hollywood
6636 Selma Avenue
Hollywood, CA 90028
Phone: (323) 740-0026
www.thecenterinhollywood.org

www.lahsa.org

County of Los Angeles DPSS - Homeless Services
dpss.lacounty.gov

Job Opportunities - People Assisting the homeless PATH

Homeless Initiative Los Angeles http://homeless.lacounty.gov

Los Angeles DPSS Your Benefits Now
https://www.dpssbenefits.lacounty.gov/ybn/SignInPage.html

Los Angeles Department of Social Services DPSS Home Page - Cal Fresh, Cal Works, application for Benefits

http://dpss.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/dpss

Los Angeles Economic & Workforce Development
Department
http://ewddlacity.com/index.php/employment-services/adults-age-24-and-older

CalVet
https://www.calvet.ca.gov/VetServices/Pages/Homeless-Veterans-Outreach-Awareness.aspx

California Youth Crisis - Teen Line
https://teenlineonline.org/yyp/california-youth-crisis-line

California Coalition for Youth
https://calyouth.org

YouthLine - Teen to Teen Support
https://oregonyouthline.org

Los Angeles Hotlines

Didi Hirsh Suicide Prevention Hotline
877-7-CRISIS or (877) 727-4747

Winter Shelter Hotline
1(800) 548-6047

National Resources
The following national resources are available for the homeless:

Homelessness Facts  & Statistics: Green Doors

National Coalition for the Homeless:
www,nationalhomeless.org

National Alliance for the Homeless:

National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
https://www.va.gov/homeless /nationalcallcenter.asp

Homeless Veterans Resources Crisis Line
https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/Resources/HomelessResources.aspx

Homeless Veterans Assistance Center - Benefits.gov
https://www.benefits.gov/benefits/benefit-details/589

Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV)
http://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/HCHV.asp.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline
www,the hotline.org

Youth Runaway Hotline: 1(800) RUNAWAY
1(800) 786-2929

Homeless Veterans Call Center
1 (877) 4AIDVET  1 (877) 424-3838

Suicide Prevention & Veterans Crisis Line
1 (800) 273-TALK   I (800) 273-8255 (Veterans press "1")

The National Domestic Violence Hotline