According to the document by Kelly Bennett, MD, the federal government defines homelessness as lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. The majority of the homeless population are under age 40, with children under 18 making up 40% and the largest demographic groups being African Americans, Caucasians, and Hispanics. Poverty is a major cause of homelessness, with over 12.5% of the US population living in poverty and lacking sufficient funds for basic needs such as shelter, food and healthcare. Poverty levels are increasing due to rising unemployment, decreasing wages and reductions in public assistance.

1. Kelly Bennett, MD
Medical Director
TTUHSC Free Clinic

2. Definition of Homelessness
 Per federal government:
 “people who lack a fixed, regular, and
adequate night time residence”
 A true residence cannot be administered in a
group setting by a government agency or
charity

3. Who is Homeless
 Children < 18 are 40%; majority under age 40
 African Americans 40%
 Caucasians 38%
 Hispanics 20%
 40% of men are veterans
 1/3 have severe addictive disorders
 16% have severe mental health disorders
 1% of population will be homeless at some point
during each year (3,000,000)
 On any given day between 400,000 and 800,000
are homeless

5. What Causes Homelessness
 Poverty: 12.5% of the US population is living in
poverty (37,000,000)
 Poverty: not enough money to pay for shelter,
food, clothing, utilities, health care, etc. These
people have to pick and choose what they can
pay for.
 Poverty increasing due to:
 Increasing unemployment
 Decreasing wages
 Decreasing Public Assistance

6. What Causes Homelessness
 Poverty: 12.5% of the US population is living in
poverty (37,000,000)
 Poverty: not enough money to pay for shelter,
food, clothing, utilities, health care, etc. These
people have to pick and choose what they can
pay for.
 Poverty increasing due to:
 Increasing unemployment
 Decreasing wages
 Decreasing Public Assistance