Resources: Homeless Count 2009 Findings

INCOME - Data Highlights

1) Average income patterns for families with children indicate an important role for prevention and rapid re-housing services. Housed families with children who use emergency services have virtually the same average income as sheltered families with children.  Families who are “couch surfing” or are at imminent risk of eviction have 57% of the housed families’ average income, and those who are unsheltered homeless have slightly more than 50% of those who are housed. 

• A reduction in income raises the risk of a housing crisis, suggesting short and medium term rental subsidies for a family recovering their income can maintain housing stability and prevent families with children from ending up on the streets.
• Many families in shelters have income levels to support housing and could benefit from rapid re-housing strategies.     

2) Income levels for adult-only households correlate with housing status.  For homeless single adults and couples without children in their care, increased income directly relates to increased housing stability, suggesting services focused on increasing income through employment or benefits advocacy are needed for this population as well as a need for housing affordable at the lowest income levels.

INCOME - Other significant findings

For adult-only households, nearly 26% of unsheltered adults reported no income, while that percentage decreased in more stable housing situations.

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