Comm 2320
Basic Reporting for the School of Communication at ECU

Unbelievably, homelessness is a big issue in America. There are many subtopics within homelessness, such as the stereotypes related with homelessness, mental illness, as well as substance abuse problems.

A homeless person is defined as a someone who lacks a “fixed, regular, and adequate night-time residence” according to PBS’ “Homeless Facts and Figures” article written in 2007.

The number of homeless in the U.S. is difficult to calculate because the numbers are constantly changing. According to a study done by the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty estimates that between 2.3 and 3.5 million people experience homelessness annually. Another study completed by the National Alliance to End Homelessness stated that an estimated 744,313 people experienced homelessness on one night in January of 2005. 56 percent of them were living in shelters and transitional housing and 44 percent were unsheltered.

The states with the highest number of homeless in America include Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington State, and Washington, D.C. according to a study released in 2007 by The National Alliance to End Homelessness. Homelessness continues to be a largely urban issue. An astounding 71 percent of homeless live in central cities, while 21 percent live in suburbs, and 9 percent live in rural areas according to PBS’ “Homeless Facts and Figures” article.

In 2007, the National Alliance to End Homelessness conducted a survey of 98,452 homeless families. 59 percent of those surveyed were single adults, while 41 percent were people living in families. Another estimate comes from the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness completed in 1996. Although this data is over ten years old, it states that while most homeless are single adults, the number of homeless families is growing. This study also states that 66 percent of homeless are single adults of which three quarters are men. There are more homeless men than there are women because typically family members are more likely to take in women then they are men.

PBS’ “Homeless Facts and Figures” article states that the greatest causes of homelessness are lack of healthcare, domestic violence, mental illness, and substance abuse. In 2004, the U.S. Census Bureau stated that nearly one third of people living in poverty had no healthcare of any kind. The U.S. Conference of Mayors stated in 2005 that 50 percent of cities surveyed identified domestic violence as a main cause of homelessness. According to the same study, 22 percent of homeless suffer from some type of severe mental illness. Poor people who abuse substances are more likely to experience homelessness than poor people who are sober.

41 percent of homeless are Caucasian, while 40 percent are African American, 11 percent are Hispanic, and 8 percent are Native American. These statistics contrast with the stereotype that most homeless people are African American. These figures also come from the PBS “Homeless Facts and Figures” article.

According, to the 1996 data completed by Samhsha’s National Mental Health Information Center, 38 percent of homeless report having alcohol problems. 26 percent report other drug use problems. 39 percent report some form of mental health problems, of which 20-25 percent meet the criteria for serious mental illness. These statistics show that substance abuse problems and mental health issues greatly contributes to the number of homeless in the U.S.

The Greenville Community Shelter is constantly at full capacity. Every night between the hours of six and nine, homeless come from across eastern North Carolina hoping to be admitted into the shelter. Surprisingly, some of the residents have college degrees and some attend classes at Pitt Community College.

According to Christy Shaw, the Housing Services Coordinator at the Greenville Community Shelter, most of the residents do not look like they are homeless at all. They look just like everyone else. Shaw also stated there are a number of residents who have mental health issues.

The Greenville Community Shelter has strict rules against substance abuse. Residents must complete regular breathalyzer and drug tests in order to stay in the shelter. If they are caught twice with substances in their system then they are terminated from the shelter. The shelter also provides Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings to residents to help them quit their addictions.

Homelessness is an issue in every city across the U.S. and the current state of the economy certainly is not helping numbers decline. The Greenville Community Shelter, as well as other shelters nationwide, are doing their best to get homeless off the streets and help them pick up their lives and get on the right track.

Filed under: 2009 Spring