ABOUT HOMELESSNESS

Across Western New York, there has been a recent spike in poverty and homelessness—and children are the fastest growing segment of this population. For example, according to 2011 census data, Buffalo ranked third for U.S. cities with populations of more than 250,000 with the highest level of children living in poverty—nearly 48%. According to the Homeless Alliance of WNY, on any given night in Erie County 1,000 people experience homelessness—a 15% increase in 2012 compared to 2011—and more than 28% are under 18 years old. These children lag behind their peers in many ways, including health, emotional and intellectual development, and less likely to graduate high school.

To learn more about homelessness locally and across the nation, click on the materials below and the links to homeless organizations on the right.

"A Snapshot of the Homeless in the Buffalo Area"
Investigative Post, December 12, 2012
www.investigativepost.org/2012/12/12/theres-hope-for-the-homeless

"2012 Annual Report on the State of Homelessness in Erie County"
Homeless Alliance of Western New York
www.wnyhomeless.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Annual-report-2012-Final22.pdf

"Gap in jobless rates between rich, poor hits widest level on record"
Buffalo News, September 17, 2013
http://www.buffalonews.com/business/gap-in-jobless-rates-between-rich-poor-hits-widest-level-on-record-20130916

​From Tuck Sleep:
From ​Each year, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) releases their annual Homeless Assessment Report. In 2016, they reported:

• Nearly 550,000 people are homeless on any given night in the United States.
• Two-thirds stay in emergency shelters or transitional housing, while one-third sleep in an unsheltered location on the street.
• 35% of the homeless population are families with children.
• 22% of the homeless are children under the age of 18.
• 10% of the homeless are veterans.
• Senior homelessness is on the rise, with the amount of homeless seniors expected to increase to 95,000 by 2050.
• Just five states account for half of the homeless population: California (22%), New York (16%), Florida (6%), Texas (4%), and Washington (4%).

​​"Hidden Homeless" is a Documentary
produced by Mouse Media productions
to help create awareness about homelessness in Buffalo, NY. Take a look below.

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​Youth Homelessness

"Every night, thousands of unaccompanied young people go to sleep without the safety, stability, and support of a family or a home. In contrast to common perceptions, homelessness is not just an adult phenomenon; youth are resorting to abandoned buildings, park benches, makeshift shelters, and staying with friends and sometimes strangers. Many of these youth have experienced significant trauma before and after becoming homeless. Often they face struggles across multiple aspects of daily life that contribute to their vulnerability. At the same time, all youth have strengths, but youth experiencing homelessness often lack positive opportunities and supports to apply them. An effective strategy must account for the specific needs of adolescents and youth transitioning to adulthood and the role families can play in both the reasons for becoming homeless and the potential solutions." (http://usich.gov/)