In the United States, there are over 500,000 homeless people reported at this time. It is estimated that there are approximately 400,000 homeless shelter beds. Homelessness has decreased nationally by 15% since 2007.
Of the homeless, 66% are male.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 20-25% of homeless suffer from severe mental illness (compared to 6% of the overall population).
Of the homeless population, 38% abuse alcohol, and 26% abuse other drugs.
One out of every four homeless individuals experiences violence.
Other medical problems that affect the homeless include malnutrition, parasitic infections, dental disease, liver disease such as hepatitis, and sexually transmitted diseases. In San Diego this year, 500 homeless individuals have become ill and 19 have died of a Hepatitis A outbreak.
The death rate of homeless individuals is 58% larger than the general population.
Healthfacts.blog 