For varying reasons, it can be difficult to ascertain how many men, women, and children are homeless each year in the States. According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, in most cases being homeless is a temporary condition, not permanent. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development concluded that on a single night in January 2007, nearly 672,000 people were homeless.
An uneven number of homeless persons are veterans. Of the general U.S. population, seven percent can claim veteran status, but almost 13 percent of the homeless are veterans. Additionally, nearly 13,000 veterans of the recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were homeless at some point in 2010 (National Coalition for Homeless Veterans).
Especially sobering, about one and a half million children are homeless every year in the United States. That’s one in every 50 kids!
How can you help? A quick Internet search should bring up numerous charitable organizations -some in your own community- that you can support through donations or volunteer your time at. The site JustGive.org has an awesome list called “35 Ways to Help the Homeless.” They suggest donating toys, groceries, or clothing. Volunteer your professional services or your time at a soup kitchen. Tutor homeless children and educate your own about the homeless.
Want to see 90210 star Shenae Grimes in a dramatic leading role? Check out the latest movie by executive producer Elliott Broidy called Sugar. Shenae’s leading role takes her to Venice Beach, California where she ends up making lasting relationships with other homeless teens. Rotini Rainwater and Elliot Broidy’s Sugar is inspired by real events and has goals to educate people on homelessness in America. Watch the trailer below!
Sources:
- JustGive.org- https://www.justgive.org/donations/help-homeless.jsp
- National Coalition for Homeless Veterans- http://nchv.org/index.php/news/media/background_and_statistics/
- National Coalition for the Homeless- http://www.nationalhomeless.org/factsheets/How_Many.html
- PBS Facts and Figures: The Homeless- http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/526/homeless-facts.html
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development- http://www.huduser.org/periodicals/Researchworks/decjan_09/RW_vol6num1t3.html
Note: I was compensated for this post.
6 Comments
more homeless in this country than many people are even aware of….
Sounds like a good movie with a really important message. I am also a fan of Shenae Grimes from her Degrassi days.
I didn’t know PBS had links like this! Thank you for sharing.
Wow that’s crazy to hear.. But a good message… Thanks so much for sharing!
So sad, but so true!!! Thanks for sharing this– I needed a movie for tonight!
This is a topic that is very dear to me. I’ve worked with homeless families for a few years. Thank you for sharing this inspiring movie