Reed Helps Release New National Report on Homelessness

Statement

U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today joined with the National Alliance to End Homelessness to release a new report on the State of Homelessness in America, a national and state-by-state survey showing a recession-driven increase in homelessness in Rhode Island and nationwide.

The report found that Rhode Island's homeless population increased 34.36% from 2008 to 2009. And the state's "doubled up" population -- people living with family or friends because of economic circumstances -- increased 89.33% from 2008 to 2009 from 6,607 to 12,509. The report notes, "In the course of a year, the estimated odds of experiencing homelessness for a doubled up person are 1 in 10."

Speaking at the National Press Club, Reed stated: "This report and the stories I hear from Rhode Islanders are sobering reminders that our work in bringing an end to homelessness is far from over and remains as challenging as ever. It is clear that the economic difficulties that we have faced, the worst in generations, have taken a heavy toll on our country on too many of our fellow citizens."

The State of Homelessness in America found that nationally, America's homeless population increased by approximately 3 percent from 2008 to 2009. The largest percentage increase among subpopulations was in the number of family households experiencing homelessness, which increased by over 4 percent. In Mississippi, the number of people in homeless families increased by 260 percent.

Nationally, the doubled up population increased by 12 percent to more than 6 million people from 2008 to 2009.

"It is clear that the federal government cannot alone tackle homelessness. We need your continued help, and we need your help now more than ever, especially as we all face growing fiscal pressures that require us to do more with less. Our successes in battling homelessness will only be achieved through our continuing to work together in partnership," said Reed, who authored the Homeless Emergency and Rapid Transition to Housing (HEARTH Act), which reauthorized the McKinney-Vento homelessness program [for the first time in nearly two decades and expanded homeless assistance programs and gave local communities greater flexibility and new incentives to prevent homelessness.

"Wisely investing federal resources in the HEARTH Act will save taxpayers money in the long run by preventing homelessness, promoting the development of permanent supportive housing, and encourages self-sufficiency," concluded Reed.

A copy of the report is available at: www.endhomelessness.org.

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