On average, 3.5 million Americans will become homeless annually, according to the Washington-based National Coalition for the Homeless. In a recent survey of 24 major cities by the Washington-based U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM), 76 percent of the cities reported an increase in requests for emergency food assistance. Seventy-one percent of the cities reported an increase in requests for emergency shelter. In 2005, 169 homeless people died as a result of violent attacks.

12
million adults in the United States have been homeless at some time in their lives.

7
months is the average length of time people remained homeless in the surveyed cities.

22%
of homeless people in the surveyed cities are considered mentally ill.

30%
are substance abusers.

Source: The U.S. Conference of Mayors “Hunger and Homelessness Survey 2005” and The National Coalition for the Homeless.