Mayors Survey Shows Continued Rise of Hunger and Homelessness

Posted by on January 16, 2004

[posted from Philanthropy News Digest]

Mayors Survey Shows Continued Rise of Hunger and Homelessness

According to a 25-city survey from the U.S. Conference of Mayors (http://www.usmayors.org/USCM/home.asp), requests for food aid increased an average of 17 percent in 2003, while demand for emergency shelter grew an average of 13 percent in the 22 cities that showed increases in that category.

Mayors surveyed for the report attributed the growing hunger and homelessness emergency in their cities to persistent unemployment and employment-related problems, low-paying jobs, and high housing costs. As requests for food aid increased, 56 percent of the mayors reported that people had to be turned away due to limited resources, and over half reported having to reduce the amount of aid offered to spread it across more people.

On the issue of homelessness, mayors cited a lack of affordable housing, mental illness, low-paying jobs, and substance abuse as chronic causes underlying the problem. The survey also found that people remained homeless for an average of five months and that families with children accounted for 40 percent of the homeless population.

“This survey underscores the impact the economy has had on everyday Americans,” said Hempstead, New York, mayor and conference president James A. Garner. “The face of homelessness has changed and now reflects who we least suspect. I urge all Americans to recognize their obligation to help their neighbors in need.”

To download the complete report (121 pages, PDF), visit:
http://www.usmayors.org/uscm/hungersurvey/2003/onlinereport/HungerAndHomelessnessReport2003.pdf

“U.S. Conference of Mayors – Sodexho Hunger and Homelessness Survey 2003.” U.S. Conference of Mayors
Press Release 12/18/03.
http://www.usmayors.org/uscm/news/press_releases/documents/hunger_121803.asp

http://fdncenter.org/pnd/news/story.jhtml?id=55100025