Homelessness May Not Look The Way You Think It Does

Who are homeless families?

The typical sheltered homeless family is comprised of a mother in her late twenties with two children.

• 84% of families experiencing homelessness are female-headed. This is due to a number of factors:

  • Most single-parent families are female-headed (71%). Single-parent families are among the poorest in the nation and as such, are extremely vulnerable to homelessness

  • Many family shelters do not accept men into their programs, causing families to separate when they become homeless

• Families of color are overrepresented in the homeless population. Nationally:

  • 43% are African-American

  • 15% are Hispanic

  • 38% are White, non Hispanic

  • 3% are Native American

• Families experiencing homelessness usually have limited education:

  • 53% of homeless mothers do not have a high school diploma

• 29% of adults in homeless families are working

• 42% of children in homeless families are under age six

These statistics were compiled by Green Doors. To read more, visit their website:

https://www.greendoors.org/facts/family-homelessness.php