United States Poverty Statistics What are the federal poverty guidelines or "federal poverty level" for families in the United States? How many people live below the poverty line in the United States? Los Angeles County Pilot Project Statistics Why are homeless sleeping on the streets and not in shelters? Why are the homeless not able to move in to permanent housing? What are the leading causes of Homelessness in L.A. County? What are the costs associated with housing vs. homelessness? SOLUTIONS What are some of the solutions for homelessness?

United States Poverty Statistics What are the federal poverty guidelines or "federal poverty level" for families in the United States? 2008 Housing and Human Services Poverty Guidelines: $10,400 for a family of one $14,000 for a family of two $17,600 for a family of three $21,200 for a family of four For each additional person add $3,600     How many people live below the poverty line in the United States? A shocking 37 million Americans live in poverty.  That is 12.7% of the population - the highest in the developed world. Los Angeles County Pilot Project Statistics Why are homeless sleeping on the streets and not in shelters? There are 88,000 homeless in Los Angeles County on any given night.   There is currently only space to accomodate 1/2 of the homeless population.  The rest of the homeless population are left to sleep on the street, in automobiles, or in other places not normally used for human habitation.     Why are the homeless not able to move in to permanent housing? 53% cannot afford the rent 48% do not have a job or other income 19% Moving costs are too high 15% Bad credit 11% Criminal record What are the leading causes of Homelessness in L.A. County? 25% state loss of a job as cause of homelessness 21% state drug or alchohol use as cause of homelessness 11% state conflict with family member 7% state mental health issues 13% state other reasons for cause of homelessness (Although popular culture portrays the major reason for homeless as alchohol/drug use and mental illness, in fact these three combined issues makes up only 28% of those who become homeless). What are the costs associated with housing vs. homelessness? $30 per night to place a homeless person in permanent supportive housing $37 per night for shelter space $64 per night to palce a homeless person in jail $607 per night to place a homeless person in a mental hospital $1,474 per night to place a homeless person in a general hospital   SOLUTIONS What are some of the solutions for homelessness? Jobs and job training for those homeless able to work Raise public assistance payments so recipients can afford food, clothing and shelter Prioritize Federal, State and Local spending to alleviate homelessness Raise awareness of poverty issues in popular culture and the media