There is nothing like an ill child to bring perspective on life. I have been away helping care for #2 son, who I’m pleased to report is doing well now. Until things get settled again, I just wanted to share some statistics from my presentation in the previous post in case you haven’t watched it. I know that stories are more effective than numbers, but I believe there are also a lot of stories in these numbers.
- Over 70% of homeless youth have experienced abuse in the home.
- Upwards of 40% of homeless youth identify as LGBTTQ
- Most youth who become homeless have used little or no substances.
- Approximately 1/3 of people experiencing homelessness use substances.
- This number is closer to 2/3 for those who are ‘chronically’ homeless.
- 2/3 experience a lifetime diagnosis of mental illness, 50% after becoming homeless.
- 47% of those who are homeless and experiencing a mental illness are not receiving formal care.
- 55% of those experiencing homelessness have a serious health condition.
- The average age of death for a homeless person in Canada is 44.5 years.
- Less than 10% of social housing in London is supportive housing.
- There is a 9 year waiting list for social housing in London.
- Approximately 2000 people are homeless in London on any given night.
- Homelessness costs the city around $10 million annually.
- Social assistance rates are less than half of any measure of poverty in Canada.
- In a local study, 0% of homeless people identified homelessness as their ideal housing condition.
- The U.S. has 4x the rate of homelessness as Canada, Norway has half.