Homeless in 2009

In January of 2009 , more than 643,000 people were homeless in the United States. Two-thirds were in shelters while the other third were on the streets or in abandoned buildings. Sixty three percent were individuals and the remainder were members of homeless families.

From October of 2008 through September 2009, almost 1.6 million individuals had taken refuge in emergency or transitional housing. Thirty nine percent of this homeless population lived in California, New York and Florida where high housing costs contributed to the problem.

Below describes the makeup of the typical homeless population:

• 78% were adults;
  
• 61% were males;
  
• 62% were members of a minority group;
  
• 38% were 31 to 50 years old;
  
• 64% were lone individuals; and
  
• 38% had a disability.

Between 2007 and 2009, homeless individuals declined by 7 percent and homeless families increased by 30 percent.

On January 29, 2009, there were 295 homeless persons in Florence County and an additional 105 homeless persons in the Pee Dee Region. There are two soup kitchens located in Florence:

• House of Hope of the Pee Dee located at 1020 W. Darlington St.


• The Manna House at 450 Jarrott St.

Also, the Harvest Hope Food Bank is located at 2513 W. Lucas St. and depends on donations to stock their shelves. Recently they have made public requests for supplies because of the shortage.

The recession is sure to have an impact on the homeless population as statistics are updated!