Homelessness is defined by a lack of "fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence." Homeless individuals include those "living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations."
A Few Numbers:
- Nationally, there are an estimated 3.5 million homeless individuals.
- In the U.S.A., the average age of a homeless person is 9 years old.
- Families are the largest and fastest growing population of homeless people.
- There may be between 10,000 - 14,,000 homeless individuals in Maricopa County on any given day, according the the Arizona Department of Economic Security.
- 14% of Maricopa County residents live in poverty - that is 881,000 people (2007 U.S. Census)
- 35% of the homeless population is employable, according to the Maricopa Association of Governments (2002 survey)
- Arizona lost 83,100 jobs from November 2007 to November 2008 (and an additional 12,400 jobs in December 2008), according to the Arizona Department of Commerce.
How People Become Homeless:
"Being Poor means being an illness, an accident or a paycheck away from living on the streets."
- National Coalition for the Homeless
- Low-income - Living paycheck to paycheck followed by job loss or other crisis
- Serious illness
- Domestic Violence
- Runaway Youth
- Inadequate Affordable Housing
- Lack of community support for those released from jail and prison
- Lack of substance abuse treatment
- Inadequate support for mental illness
The Challenge of a Job Search:
Imagine the difficult task of finding a job without a telephone, a mailing address, or the classified section.
Picture the awkwardness of an individual who arrives at an interview without a decent outfit or a well crafted resume.
Consider the thrill of being hired, but the fear of not being able to fulfill the job requirements due to a lack of work tools, transportation, or adequate job skills training.
St. Joseph the Worker's mission is to eliminate these barriers to gaining employment. Despite the odds, we witness success each day. Click here to read success stories.
