580,466
homeless
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In 2020, Homeless Continuums of Care reported that there were 580,466 homeless people in the United States. Florida homelessness is third in the nation, behind California and New York, reporting 27,487 homeless people. For more information about homelessness, please see HUD’s Annual Homeless Assessment Report
Over the last 30 years, two primary dynamics have fostered homelessness in our country.
Numerous studies have identified the Community Mental Health Act of 1963 as a primary factor in setting the stage for current homelessness in the United States. When long term psychiatric patients were released from state hospitals and sent to community health centers for treatment and follow-up, the funding for care did not materialize. Homelessness was the visible result, especially in urban centers.
The Permanent Supportive Housing Program, funded by the HUD CoC Program, is one solution to this problem. In 2018, 72% of the HUD CoC Program Awards were for Permanent Housing, directed to serve chronically homeless and disabled individuals in the State of Florida.
In 1970, there were 6.5 million low-cost rental units in the US and 6.2 million low-income renter households with 300,000 units available to households. By 1985, the number of low-cost units had fallen to 5.6 million and the number of low-income renter households had grown to 8.9 million, a disparity of 3.3 million units. In 2019, the National Low Income Housing Coaltion reported that the State of Florida has a shortage of 428,622 rental units available and affordable to low income renters.
The Florida Federal Rental Housing Fact Sheet shows that over 1.5M low income Florida residents are paying more than 30% of their household income on rent. The median rent (including utilities) has increased by 16% since 2001, while income has only increased by 1%.
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Florida has the third-largest homeless population in the United States at 27,487. 12,672 were unsheltered and 14,815 were sheltered. The individuals experiencing homelessness include 5,182 (19%) long-term homeless with a disabling condition (chronic); 4,637 (17%) children under 18; 2,436 (9%) Veterans (Between 2015 and 2019, and 1,588 (6%) Youth aged 18-24. the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) reported that there were 79,949 homeless children attending public schools, including those that were doubled-up, as of September 2020.
27,487
homeless
The United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH), introduced its first national “Opening Doors” strategic plan to end homelessness in 2008. In 2018, USICH adopted “Home Together” as the new national strategic plan to end homelessness.
In Florida, the job of ending homelessness and meeting the goals outlined in the federal strategic plan “Home, Together” falls on FCEH and the 27 Continuum of Care agencies throughout the state. The causes of homelessness are complex, and the solutions are going to take all of us working together and strengthening our communities. FCEH will continue to support the CoCs and their member agencies to end homelessness in the State of Florida.
When people are released from state institutions such as mental hospitals, substance abuse facilities, prisons, or the foster care system, they come into our communities looking for housing, employment, and assistance. As the primary provider of emergency shelter, permanent supportive housing, and rapid-rehousing programs in Florida, FCEH’s member agencies face clients in crisis on a daily basis.
We need your partnership, innovation, and collaboration to successfully address the needs of every homeless individual and family in our state.
Are you ready to help end homelessness in Florida? Check out our membership categories and explore the services available through FCEH.