Homelessness: A statistics Snapshot
Courtesy of The Coalition for Homelessness
Intervention and Prevention
The Causes of Homelessness
• Lack of affordable housing
• Low wages
• Youth aging out of foster care
• Domestic violence
• Substance abuse
• Mental illness
• Prisoner reintegration
The Homeless Population in
Indianapolis
• 6,000 – 10,000 of our neighbors will experience
homelessness over the course of a year.
• 44,000 families are at-risk of becoming homeless.
• 26% of homeless people in Indianapolis live in
families with children.
• Approximately 20% of our homeless have been
victims of domestic violence.
Nationally, women with children are the fastest
growing demographic among the homeless
The Homeless Population in
Indianapolis
• More than 30% have drug and/or alcohol
problems.
• 30% have been affected by domestic
violence.
• 13% are veterans.
• Nearly 30% struggle with a serious mental
illness.
Homelessness and Children/Youth
According to the Institute for Children and Poverty:
• Homeless children are twice as likely to repeat a
grade in school.
• Over half of homeless students transfer schools each
year. Of these, two-thirds transfer multiple times.
• One in ten homeless students misses at least a
month of school each year.
• Homeless children are twice as likely not to be
enrolled in preschool.
• The average homeless child in America is only 6
years old.
Youth Aging Out of Foster Care
Research shows that youth aging out of foster
care:
• Have low education and employment
experience;
• Have high incidence of mental and physical
health and substance abuse issues;
• Have high likelihood to be involved with
legal system.
Domestic Violence and
Homelessness
• Domestic violence is a leading cause of
poverty and homelessness among women.
• Approximately 35,000 families experience
domestic violence each year in Indianapolis.
• An estimated 700 local families may
experience homelessness due to domestic
violence each year.
The Cost of Homelessness
• Increased use of emergency medical care,
mental health services and the correctional
system.
• Connection between homelessness and poor
health.
• Poor educational attainment.
• Loss of productivity.
Family Shelters:
Catholic Charities Indianapolis – Holy Family Shelter
Dayspring Center
Interfaith Hospitality Network
Queen of Peace Shelter
Wheeler Mission Ministries – Care Center
Battered Women Shelters:
A Better Way
Alternatives Incorporated of Madison County
Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Julian Center
Quest for Excellence – Women in Need Growing Strong
Salvation Army Social Service Center
Shelter Wings Center for Women
Domestic Violence and
Homelessness
Response:
• Training for housing providers regarding
special issues surrounding dv and
homelessness.
• Raise awareness among policy makers and
general public.
• Resource development.