Homelessness in Montgomery County

Homelessness in Montgomery County

Mission

MCCH’s mission to end homelessness is based on the belief that every person is entitled to the dignity of a home.

Housing First Initiative—places permanent housing at the center of ending homelessness.

Create housing options and provide supportive services

Advocacy and education

Homelessness Nationwide

Point-in-time count conducted in 2012 reported that 633,782 people were experiencing homelessness on one night in January 2012 1 15.8 % were chronically homeless 9.9% were veterans 38.4% were unsheltered—living

on the streets or in other places not meant for human habitation

1 The State of Homelessness in America 2013, National Alliance to End Homelessness


Point-in-time survey on January 30, 2013 counted 1,007 homeless persons 1

117 families—140 adults, 229 children (369 total) 638 individuals

2.5 % increase over 2012, but 11% decrease 2011-2013 1

Decrease attributed to increase in permanent supportive housing.

1 Homelessness in Metropolitan Washington: Results and Analysis from the 2013 Point-in-Time Count of Homeless Persons in the Metropolitan Washington Region

PIT count of homeless households without children 1

35% considered chronically homeless 58% reported some type of income 5% reported veteran status

Formerly homeless persons residing in permanent supportive housing increased 15% over 2011 1



Causes of Homelessness: Lack of Affordable Housing

In no jurisdiction in the United States can a minimum wage earner afford housing 1

One of the most frequently self-reported reasons for homelessness is the inability to afford housing In 1970, there were 300,000 more affordable housing

units than low-income households that needed them 2

In 2010, there were 4.3 million fewer affordable units for extremely low income renters 3

1 Key Data Concerning Homeless Persons in America, 2004, NLCHP2 NAEH, Toolkit for Ending Homelessness, 20033 National Low Income Housing Coalition, Housing Spotlight, Volume 2, Issue 1

Lack of Affordable Housing in Montgomery County

2010 median sales price of a single-family detached house was $455,000 1

Renters living alone must make $28.96/hr to afford a two-bedroom apartment at fair market rent of $1,506 2

Minimum wage is $7.25/hr A minimum wage earner would need to work about four

full-time jobs to afford a two-bedroom apartment at fair market rate in Montgomery County 3

1 2012 Montgomery County Snapshot2 The Sentinel, 20123 2012 National Low Income Housing Coalition Report

Causes of Homelessness: Poverty

People who are homeless are a subset of those living in poverty

In Montgomery County 29% of homeless adults in households without children

and 47% of those with children are employed 1 20,330 children live in families whose income is below

the poverty line 2 1/3 of county school children receive free and reduced-

price school meals 3

1 Homelessness in Metropolitan Washington: Results and Analysis from the 2013 Point-in-Time Count of Homeless Persons in the Metropolitan Washington Region 2 KIDS COUNT Data Center, from US Census Bureau, Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates for 20113 http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/about/

Causes of Homelessness: Disabilities

PIT count of homeless households without children 1

68% reported chronic substance abuse, serious mental health issues, or co-occurring disorders

40% reported chronic health problems and/or physical disability

Montgomery County is galvanizing resources to create permanent supportive housing opportunities for homeless people with medical vulnerabilities


100,000 Homes Campaign

Montgomery County has joined the national 100,000 Homes Campaign Homeless individuals are 3–4 times more likely to die

prematurely than the general population 1

Our local campaign will prioritize homeless individuals who are most in need of housing and improve access to permanent supportive housing and services

1 O’Connell JJ. Premature Mortality in Homeless Populations: A Review of the Literature, 19 pages. Nashville: National Health Care for the Homeless Council, Inc., 2005.

Other Causes of Homelessness

Domestic violence Lack of affordable healthcare Direct discharge into the homeless system from

prisons/jails, hospitals, child welfare and mental health systems

Natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and fires

Economic disasters such as job loss and home foreclosures

Montgomery County Services

Prevention Outreach and engagement Emergency and transitional shelters Safe Havens housing Permanent housing programs with supportive

services

Emergency Shelter

Home Builder’s Care Assessment Center men’s emergency shelter

Safe Havens Housing

Adrianne’s Safe Haven

Permanent Housing

Cordell PlaceSeneca Heights Apartments

Permanent Housing

Creative Housing Initiative Pilot Project

Home First

Permanent Housing

Hope Housing

Partnership for Permanent Housing

Join With Us

[email protected]

301-217-0314

Business

Homelessness in Montgomery County