The Homelessness Project: dispelling the myths

Dispelling the myths

There are many helpful resources regarding homelessness, it’s origins and possible solutions. We encourage you to search for more information on the problem and become active in helping to find a solution (see The Homelessness Project – who we serve or Homelessness Resources).

Quick Facts about Homelessness:

	Families make up 40% of homeless people.
	20% of homeless people are employed in full or part-time jobs.
	There were approximately 7,350 homeless people each night in King County in 2001.
	In that same year, there were less than 5,000 emergency beds available, leaving more than 2,500 homeless people with no safe place to sleep each night.
	An estimated 22% of people who are homeless suffer from mental illness.
	From 2000 to 2001 requests for emergency shelter by homeless families increased by 22 percent.

Sources: US Conference of Mayors, 2001; Seattle/King County Coalition for the Homeless, 2002

	Quick Facts About Homelessness
	Fair Market Rent
	The Housing Wage