Homeless Facts

Overview...

  • The fastest growing sector of the homeless population is families with children.
  • A survey of 25 U.S. cities conducted in 2003 found that requests for emergency shelter increased in all cities by an average of 13 percent. Families with children make up 40% of the homeless population (U.S. Conference of Mayors, 2003).
  • Requests by families with children for emergency shelter, increased by an average of 11% over the last 3 years.
  • The study also found that 33% of the requests for shelter by homeless families were denied in 2003 due to a lack of resources.
  • The average age of a homeless person in the United States: 9 years old

Family Promise consists of...

  • One hundred twenty four Affiliates (Networks) in 39 states and the District of Columbia.
  • Sixty new Networks currently forming in four additional states.
  • More than 4,500 host congregations.
  • More than 110,000 volunteers involved in Network programs nationwide.

How We're Helping...

  • In a typical Network, half of the guests are children, most under six years old.
  • One hundred service and housing programs have been developed as an outgrowth of the Interfaith Hospitality Networks.
  • In 2004, 80 percent of guest families found permanent or transitional housing.
  • More than 130,000 guests have been assisted by Family Promise programs.

Family Promise Statistics...

  • Individuals served (Guests): 9,317
  • Families served: 2,937
  • Children served: 5,342
  • Children age 5 and under: 50%
  • Individuals served (non-guests): 15,449
  • Total individuals served: 24,766
  • Average length of stay: 53 days
  • Families securing permanent housing upon completion: 61%
  • Families securing transitonal housing upon completion: 19%

Family Promise DeKalb gratefully acknowledges the support of the Gwinnett County Network in developing this material.