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Facts on Homelessness

One of the most important parts of Shepherd’s Table’s mission is homeless advocacy. With that in mind, we’d like to provide you with this resource page. We hope that the information and links published here will help better shape your understanding of how poverty affects the Silver Spring community, the Washington Metro area, Montgomery County, and the nation.

 

• In Montgomery County, one of the nation’s wealthiest counties, there are over 1500 homeless individuals.
• The average age of a homeless person in the United States of America is 9 years old. 23% of the homeless population consists of children, of which 42% are under 5 years of age.
• Many homeless people are employed. In the United States,
  nearly a quarter of the homeless population work but still cannot afford a place to live.
• It is estimated that 2.1 million adults in the United States experience homelessness over the course of a year.
• About 10% of people who experience homelessness are chronically homeless, usually as a result of mental illness, substance abuse, or other protracted disabilities. These individuals account for up to 50% of those seeking emergency shelter.
• Homeless individuals make up one of the most vulnerable populations in our society. 25% of the homeless were physically or sexually abused as children. 27% grew up in foster care. 21% experienced homelessness as children. 23% are veterans (compared to 13% of the general population). 54% have been incarcerated at one point in their lives.
• Many homeless people have serious health problems. 38% report problems with alcohol abuse. 26% report problems with other drugs.
  39% report problems with a mental health issue (25% of these are classified as serious mental illnesses). 3% report having HIV/AIDS. 46% report other chronic health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or
  cancer.

The following are organizations in Montgomery County and the Washington Metro area that address the issues of the homeless and poor:

The Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless, www.mcch.net MCCH is a leading organization dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness, as well as assisting those in need. MCCH serves as an umbrella membership organization, serving the provider network in Montgomery County through advocacy efforts, legislative alters, program coordination, and educational activities.

Crisis, Income, and Victim Services, http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/hhstmpl.asp?
url=/content/hhs/civs/index.asp
CIVS provides services to Montgomery County residents experiencing situational, emotional, or mental health crises. They provide a continuum of services to homeless families and adults, including emergency shelter, transitional, and supported housing.

Silver Spring Interfaith Housing Coalition, www.ssihc.org
The Silver Spring Interfaith Housing Coalition (SSIHC) is a nonprofit organization of local congregations working together to provide housing opportunities in our neighborhoods for low income families and individuals, especially people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. SSIHC will work with all who support this mission without regard to religious affiliation.

Community Ministry of Montgomery County, www.communityministrymc.org
Community Ministry of Montgomery County’s mission is to pursue social justice with an emphasis on identifying and meeting the needs of the poor by leading and engaging Montgomery County’s Faith communities in service, education, and advocacy.

National Alliance to End Homelessness, www.endhomelessness.org
The National Alliance to End Homelessness is a leading voice on the issue of homelessness. The Alliance analyzes policy and develops pragmatic, cost-effective policy solutions. They work collaboratively with the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to build state and local capacity, leading to stronger programs and policies that help homeless individuals and families make positive changes in their lives. They provide data and research to policymakers and elected officials in order to inform policy debates and educate the public and opinion leaders nationwide.

Fannie Mae’s Help the Homeless Program, www.helpthehomelessdc.org
Fannie Mae’s Help the Homeless Program raises awareness of and funds for Washington metropolitan area organizations that are working to prevent and end homelessness, with an emphasis on programs that help homeless people return to independent living. The Help the Homeless Program also fosters volunteerism in service to the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless.

MobileMed (MOBY), www.mobilemedicalcare.org
Mobile Medical Care, Inc., widely known as MobileMed, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide primary medical care to the low-income, uninsured, working poor, and homeless in Montgomery County, Maryland. Predominately volunteer professional providers - including doctors, registered nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants - as well as related support personnel, provide health care services for MobileMed patients.

       

 

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