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There are an estimated 31,462 individuals experiencing homelessness on any given night in Florida. There is a misconception that persons experiencing homeless are all chronically homeless or mentally ill. Only 20% are chronically homeless – defined as having a disability and having long -term periods of homelessness. Only 17% report they have a severe mental illness and 13% have a substance abuse disorder. These numbers are not mutually exclusive, as many individuals suffer from both. For more information about homelessness, please see the infographic below.
31,462
homeless
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 2022, the National Low Income Housing Coalition reported that the State of Florida has a shortage of 435,879 rental units available and affordable to low income renters. 82% of renters at extremely low income (30% AMI) are extremely cost burdened, paying more than 50% of their income on housing costs; 57% of households within the 30-50% AMI range are extremely cost burdened. Even some of the middle income (80-120% AMI) households are extremely cost burdened (7%).
Affordable housing is not always available for individuals experiencing homelessness. Barriers continue to exist with income verification, eviction or criminal backgrounds that may effect someone’s ability to find a rental. Housing specifically set aside for persons experiencing homelessness is so important.
Over the past 10 years, there was a reduction in shelter beds (-3776), mostly due to reallocation of resources from transitional shelter to rapid rehousing. There are a total of 18,250 shelter beds in the State, including 12,874 emergency shelter, 5,226 transitional housing, and 142 safe haven beds. Of these beds, there are 2,142 beds for victims of domestic violence, 1,015 for veterans and 686 for youth that are not open to anyone, even if the bed is empty on any given night. Overall, 86% of all shelter beds were occupied during the last point in time count (January 2024).
The number of beds available to individuals experiencing homelessness has not increased significantly over the past 10 years. Housing with short to medium term housing assistance (Rapid Rehousing) increased by 4,309 beds, and long-term housing (Supportive Housing and Other Permanent Housing dedicated to persons experiencing homelessness) increased by 4,246 beds- mostly through Public Housing Authorities prioritizing persons experiencing homelessness through the Housing Choice Voucher Program, including the addition of Emergency Housing Vouchers prioritizing persons experiencing homelessness.
Many of these shelter and permanent housing beds are voucher based – which requires the availability of hotel/motel (shelter) or rental housing to place individuals.
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 “All In” 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 “All In” 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.
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 in your local continuum of care.