The Salvation Army: Home

National Coalition for the Homeless Published by the National Coalition for the Homeless, July 2009 Two trends are largely responsible for the rise in homelessness over the past 20-25 years: a growing shortage of affordable rental housing and a simultaneous increase in poverty. Below is an overview of current poverty and housing statistics, as well as additional factors contributing to homelessness. A list of resources for further study is also provided. Recently, foreclosures have increased the number of people who experience homelessness. Homelessness and poverty are inextricably linked. In 2007, 12.5% of the U.S. population, or 37,300,00 million people, lived in poverty. Two factors help account for increasing poverty: eroding employment opportunities for large segments of the workforce and the declining value and availability of public assistance. Reasons why homelessness persists include stagnant or falling incomes and less secure jobs which offer fewer benefits. Arnst, Catherine. Children’s Defense Fund. Families USA.

Using Advocacy to End Homelessness: A Toolkit for Understanding and Conducting Advocacy National Alliance to End Homelessness Toolkits | February 3, 2011 Files: Toolkit (PDF | 31.66 MB | 104 pages) Advocacy can be one of the most powerful ways to impact public policy. Table of Contents: NEW! If you have questions about the toolkit or its contents, or if you would like to strategize specifically about how your community or organization can implement these tactics, please contact Kate Seif at cseif@naeh.org.