Homeless Facts

Homelessness is a problem that affects thousands of people across the United States. Many people are forced to live on the streets and in extreme poverty due to various circumstances. People who fall into homelessness face many barriers and obstacles that prevent them from having stability and a sense of comfort and security in their lives. Homelessness can affect anybody and everybody.

To learn more about homelessness throughout the United States and the facts on what causes homelessness in our communities, please visit the National Coalition for the Homeless' website. Also, download the article Why Are People Homeless, published in July 2009. This article presents a concise recount from research conducted throughout the country on why people become homeless.

According to Tarrant County data collected by the US Census:

• On any given day in 2009, there were 2,181 people considered homeless.
• Over the course of a year, a total of 5,012 persons will experience homelessness.
• 24.5% of people who are homeless are chronically homeless, meaning they have a disabling physical or mental condition and have been homeless for at least one year.
• The total population of Tarrant County is approaching 2 million, with a 17.1% growth since 2000. It is the third most populous county in Texas and among the 20 most populous counties in the US.

According to Tarrant County data collected by TCHC:

• In 2009, children made up 25% of the homeless living in emergency shelters and transitional housing. In 2010, that number rose to 30%.
• Women make up 38% of the homeless. In 2007, volunteers counted 12 women who were unsheltered. In 2009, volunteers counted 32 women.
• At least 50% of women attribute domestic violence as a factor leading to their homelessness. In a homeless survey, 20% reported victimization after becoming homeless. (Because of the nature of the survey, we believe this number is actually higher.)
• Over 36% of the homeless were employed in some capacity in 2007. Of that number, 48% worked full-time (at least 32 hours per week).
• It is estimated that 12.8% of Tarrant County lives in poverty. Of that number, 43.8% are employed.

For more statistics about Tarrant County, use the sidebar to the left. The links below provide information about Texas and other counties in North Texas.

• Balance of State Homeless Survey for the State of Texas (Texas Homeless Network)
• Dallas County Homeless Count Data (Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance)
• Collin County Homeless Count Data (Collin County Homeless Coalition and Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance)
• Denton County Homeless Count Data (Denton County Homeless Coalition)