The Myths and Facts of

Homelessness

Myth: Most poor families are minorities.

Fact: Two-thirds of poor families are white.

Myth: Not many people are homeless in the United States.

Fact: 3 to 4 million people are Homeless in the United States.

Myth: Homeless people don’t work.

Fact: 77% of low-income young children’s parents are employed
full- or part-time.

Myth: All homeless people are drug addicts or alcoholics

Fact: Many people who are addicted to alcohol and drugs never
become homeless, but people who are poor and addicted are
clearly at increased risk of homelessness.

Myth: Most homeless people are lazy.

Fact: The connection between impoverished workers and
homelessness can be seen in homeless shelters, many of which
house significant numbers of full-time wage earners. A survey of
30 U.S. cities found that almost one in five homeless persons is
employed (U.S. Conference of Mayors, 1998). In a number of
cities not surveyed by the U.S. Conference of Mayors - as well as
in many states - the percentage is even higher (National Coalition
for the Homeless, 1997).

Myth: Homeless people stink and are dirty.

Fact: I myself was homeless, and you would never know it if you
looked at me. And many of the people I knew where the same way.

Myth: Homeless people are criminals.

Fact: Most homeless people have never been arrested.