Role of Funders:
Why is homelessness an important issue for funders?

On any given night between 700,000 and 800,000 men, women and children are homeless in America.

Over the course of a year, between 2.5 and 3.5 million people – nearly 1 percent of our nation’s population – will live either on the streets or in an emergency shelter.

Most homeless people are homeless only once or twice and only for a brief time. About 10 percent, however, spend long periods without a place to call home. Chronic homelessness is costly. People who are chronically homeless survive within the shelter system, or in a combination of shelters, hospitals, on the streets or in jail.

Homelessness does not discriminate. Families with children, single adults, teenagers, and elderly individuals of all races can be found struggling with the devastating effects of homelessness.

This is the bad news. The good news is that proven, successful strategies for ending chronic homelessness exist. A variety of key studies have shown that chronically homeless individuals who are placed in supportive housing in communities across the country experience:

57% percent decrease in emergency room visits
85% decrease in emergency detox services
50% decrease in incarceration rate
50% increase in earned income and 40% rise in rate of employment when employment services are provided
More than 80% stay housed for at least one year

So what does this mean for funders?

While the problem seems daunting, we can end chronic homelessness in our nation. The goal may seem bold, but it is achievable.

About Funders Together Chronic Homelessness General Questions About Homelessness Health and Mental Illness Housing Advocacy Role of Funders Supportive Housing Family Homelessness Free Monthly E-Newsletter Sign Up for Monthly E-News and Other Announcements	Home : Question & Answers : Role of Funders Role of Funders: Why is homelessness an important issue for funders? On any given night between 700,000 and 800,000 men, women and children are homeless in America. Over the course of a year, between 2.5 and 3.5 million people – nearly 1 percent of our nation’s population – will live either on the streets or in an emergency shelter. Most homeless people are homeless only once or twice and only for a brief time. About 10 percent, however, spend long periods without a place to call home. Chronic homelessness is costly. People who are chronically homeless survive within the shelter system, or in a combination of shelters, hospitals, on the streets or in jail. Homelessness does not discriminate. Families with children, single adults, teenagers, and elderly individuals of all races can be found struggling with the devastating effects of homelessness. This is the bad news. The good news is that proven, successful strategies for ending chronic homelessness exist. A variety of key studies have shown that chronically homeless individuals who are placed in supportive housing in communities across the country experience: 57% percent decrease in emergency room visits 85% decrease in emergency detox services 50% decrease in incarceration rate 50% increase in earned income and 40% rise in rate of employment when employment services are provided More than 80% stay housed for at least one year So what does this mean for funders? While the problem seems daunting, we can end chronic homelessness in our nation. The goal may seem bold, but it is achievable. Other questions & answers related to this topic: What other networks exist for funders with an interest in causes related to homelessness? Private and Family Foundations: What is Your Role? Community Foundations and Regional Funders: What is Your Role? What types of funding are needed to develop effective and sustainable supportive housing? What are some tips for funders interested in funding efforts to fight chronic homelessness? How can I find supportive housing programs and other initiatives to end homelessness in my own community or state? What other types of support can funders provide to help fight homelessness?	SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS Find what you were looking for in Q&A? If not, click here to submit your question directly to us. READ MORE ON... Affordable Housing Chronic Homelessness Health and Mental Illness Supportive Housing

Role of Funders:Why is homelessness an important issue for funders?

Other questions & answers related to this topic:

Role of Funders:
Why is homelessness an important issue for funders?