Operation Nightwatch Seattle - About Homelessness

About Homelessness

Approximately 2.3 - 3.5 million people are homeless each year in U.S. (Urban Institute)
12 million adults in U.S. currently are or have been homeless at some point in their lives. (National Coalition for the Homeless)
The largest and fastest growing group of homeless folks are families with children, comprising 40% of the homeless population, mostly with single mother head of household. Average homeless family has 2.2 children. (HUD)
33% of homeless men are veterans. (HUD)
22% of single adult homeless population suffer from severe and persistent mental illness. (U.S. Conference of Mayors, 2001)

Demand for Services

In 1993 Operation Nightwatch served an average of 49 clients per night; in 2004 they averaged serving over 135 nightly - providing food, shelter placement, permanent housing, emergency care, hotel vouchers, and personal care items.
The 2007 Street Count found 2,159 people on the street in Seattle/King County. On any given night there are 7,839 homeless in Seattle/King County. (Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness)
Of the 7,839, only 2,368 were able to find emergency shelter for the night. (SKCCH)
In 1999 there was a 12% increase in requests for shelter, 18% increase in requests for food assistance. (US Conference of Mayors)

Causes of Homelessness

In 315 of 399 U.S. metropolitan areas, 40% or more of renters cannot afford the fair market rent for a two-bedroom unit. (National Low Income Housing Coalition)
In Washington, an extremely low income household (earning $19,251, 30% of the Area Median Income of $64,171) can afford montly rent of no more than $481, while the Fair Market Rent for a two-bedroom unit is $745. (NLIHC 2004)
A minimum wage earner (earning $7.16 per hour) can afford monthly rent of no more than $372. (NLIHC 2004)
The Housing Wage in Washington is $14.32. This is the amount a full time (40 hours per week) worker must earn per hour in order to afford a two-bedroom unit at the area's Fair Market rent. (NLIHC 2004)
In 1998, applicants waited an average of 28 months for a Section 8 rental assistance voucher. (HUD)
20 - 25% of homeless adults have severe and persistent mental illness. (National Coalition for the Homeless)
50% of homeless women and children are fleeing domestic abuse. (NCH)
32% of requests for shelter by homeless families were denied due to lack of resources. (US Conference of Mayors)
46% of homeless have chronic health conditions, and only 45% have medical insurance. (HUD)
40% went one or more days in the past month without anything to eat. (HUD)

P.O Box 21181 . Seattle, WA 98111 . 206-323-4359