HomelessnessAli Rahimi & Jasmine Carreon

What is Homelessness?

Define by the Department of Health and Human Services: an individual who lacks housing (without regard to whether the individual is a member of a family), including an individual whose primary residence during the night is a supervised public or private facility (e.g., shelters) that provides temporary living accommodations, and an individual who is a resident in transitional housing.”

The Myth & Facts Myth: They are to blame for their situation. Fact: Many are victims of circumstance, illness and trauma from violence or abuse. Roughly 30%

of all homeless persons are children. About 73% of all homeless persons experience mental illness, domestic violence or other barriers to stable housing.

Myth: The homeless population is transient, migrating to cities with the best services. Fact: 88% of Utah’s homeless population lived in Utah when they became homeless.

Myth: Most are single men Fact: Single men comprise 29% of Utah’s homeless population while 44% are parents and

children.

Myth: People who are homeless stay homeless for a long time Fact: Only 3% of Utah’s homeless are chronically homeless or experience homelessness for long

periods of time. Of those experiencing homelessness, 57% of single adults, 33% of families and 71% of young people stayed in shelter less than 2 weeks during 2012.

Survey’s and key individuals

Utah demographic, local areas & Salt Lake Valley • Average age ranged around 35• Common reasons for homelessness was loss of job/career,

drug addiction, and lack of support• Education ranges from HS diploma to college degrees• Most have families or kids• (Insert your key individual)• Lee Thompson

Current rate of Homelessness in Utah

• 2013 Annualized homelessness estimate: 15,093 • 2013 Homelessness as % of area population: 0.55%• 2013 Total number of homeless school children: 11,856 • Total number of school children living in motels, shelters,

or in places not meant for habitation: 1,034• Total number of school children doubling-up or living

without adequate facilities: 10,822 • Total number of school children as a percent of the 2012

fall enrollment: .19%

Take action & make a difference!• Volunteer at your local soup kitchen • Donate food, money, or time to cupboards and homeless

shelters• Donate to the SLCC Bruin cupboard to help students who may

be experiencing homelessnessHomeless Youth Resource Center

655 S. State StreetSalt Lake City, UT 84111(801) 364-0744

Homeless Outreach Program447 West Bearcat DriveSalt Lake City, UT 84115(801) 631-7584

Resources

• Department of Workforce Services jobs.utah.gov• COMPREHENSIVE REPORT ON HOMELESSNESS 2013• Surveys based on research around local community and

Salt Lake area• Nationofchange.org/Homelessness-Utah