HOMELESSNESS
In Focus
"See more clearly when you are informed"
Homelessness
Here IYC hopes to shine a spotlight on the often most forgotten members of our society, the unhoused. With over half a million and growing individuals shelterless in the United States this conversation is starting to take center stage in our politics. Below you will find key terms, statistics, and other useful tools to understand and talk about Homelessness. If you would like to know more, consider coming to an IYC event. Our next one can be found below in the section labeled Our Events. We host them virtually, on a wide range of topics, discussing policy, civics, and current events.
Key Terms You Should Know
Home vs House:
Home is where you live and where you have an emotional attachment; homelessness is a misnomer; unhoused or houseless is a more accurate.
Housing Insecurity:
Not having a secure shelter due to various factors like low income, high housing costs, unstable neighborhoods, etc.
Unsheltered:
Refers to the lack of physical shelter, even temporarily. 'Homeless' implies a lack of permanent housing.
Hostile Architecture/
Defensive Design:
Features implemented into city and town planning designed to deter homeless people from sleeping in that location.
Permanent Supportive Housing:
An alternative solution to end homelessness that focuses on accessible permanent housing and coordinated services such as financial assistance and mental health treatment.
Moments In History
1640 - The first recorded instance of homelessness in the land that is now the U.S.
1965 - Department of Urban Development (HUD) created to provide public housing under Johnson's Great Society Plan.
2022 - The Federal Strategic Plan All In is created, laying out a strategy for everyone having access to a home.
1955 - Release of Lady & The Tramp, providing a 'positive' representation of homelessness for children.
2020 - COVID-19 pandemic creates instability and oversaturation of an already failing system.
Statistics
$31,000
Cost of incarceration for homeless people in FL
$31,000
Cost of a $15/hr full-time job
Likelihood that a person
who is homeless will be a
crime victim compared to a
non-homeless person
10x
580,000
# of Homeless
in the United States
21,000
# of Homeless Children
in New York City
Over 40%
Approximate percent of people in homeless shelters or unsheltered who held a job in the same year they were homeless
Top 3 Causes
#1 Lack of affordable housing
#2 Unemployment
#3 Mental illness
Values
Visibility
Resilience
Kindness
Dignity
Charitable Giving
Notable Names
Chris Gardner
Ella Fitzgerald
Robin Williams
Ali Forney
Jimmy Carter
Symbols
Our Events
Past
Future
Further Resources
Homelessness Infographic
Share what you have learned about Homelessness. Our Infographic has been designed to be shared easily by printing, emailing, or posting on social media. Click on the image to view or download the PDF File. (Not for commercial use.)
.png)
Craftivism Event Video
As you make your own scarf, you will learn more about the issue of homelessness. You can follow the instructions to make a version of this craft with your own supplies. No experience necessary. You can also make an event out of it yourself by hosting your own Craftivism: Homelessness Discussion Party. Feel free to share this video with others! (Not for commercial use)
Take Action
Volunteer and donate items that centers need (call ahead for maximum impact!).
Research local candidates and their positions on funding homeless services and affordable housing.
Commit to a weekly act to help raise awareness about the unhoused.
Help a homeless person today!
Share our Homelessness Infographic with friends, family, and anyone and everyone you think would appreciate becoming more informed!