Homelessness in Onondaga and Cayuga Counties

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Questions and Answers

What percentage of homeless families is headed by women?

34%

84% (correct)

62%

53%

What is the leading cause of homelessness among women?

Job loss

Domestic violence (correct)

Mental illness

Substance abuse

What proportion of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ+?

20% (correct)

30%

10%

40%

What percentage of homeless women are found to lack a high school education?

53% Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic group is disproportionately represented among homeless families?

African American families Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of homeless women and children become homeless due to trying to escape domestic violence?

20-50% Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of all homeless adults were veterans in 2012?

13% Signup and view all the answers

What health risks are homeless women at higher risk for compared to non-homeless women?

Chronic illnesses Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant effect of stay-at-home orders during the pandemic on women's safety?

Rise in intimate partner violence (IPV) Signup and view all the answers

What are some common barriers for homeless individuals seeking healthcare?

Difficulty in building trust with care providers Signup and view all the answers

Why might some homeless shelters refuse to accept pregnant women?

Concerns over potential complications of pregnancy Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence faced by homeless women regarding maternal health?

Increased risk of adverse fetal outcomes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common complication associated with pregnancy in homeless women?

Preterm delivery Signup and view all the answers

How much more likely are pregnant women who are homeless to experience preterm delivery compared to their housed counterparts?

Threefold increase in risk Signup and view all the answers

What is likely underestimated due to the reporting policies of domestic violence shelters?

The number of women seeking shelter from domestic violence Signup and view all the answers

In addition to violence, what health issue do homeless women face that complicates their pregnancy?

Prevalence of infections and medical co-morbidities Signup and view all the answers

What are some potential causes of homelessness as highlighted in the content?

Joblessness and substance abuse Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of renters below the poverty line spend at least half of their income on housing?

25% Signup and view all the answers

Which group is particularly vulnerable to evictions, as indicated in the content?

Women of Color, especially Black women Signup and view all the answers

How has homelessness changed in the USA over the past four years according to the content?

It has increased for the fourth consecutive year Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact on housing subsidies during the Reagan years?

They were slashed by 75% Signup and view all the answers

What was the estimated homeless population in the USA in January 2021?

580,466 Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes to the financial vulnerability of renting households below the poverty line?

Higher rental rates Signup and view all the answers

What effect did the pandemic recession have on homelessness projections?

It is expected to increase homelessness by 49% over the next 4 years Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of Homelessness

Homelessness affects diverse populations, with a national annual odds of 1 in 194 for individuals becoming homeless.
Women and families are the fastest-growing segments of the homeless population, comprising 34% of the total homeless demographic.
Among homeless families, 84% are led by women, highlighting gender disparities in family homelessness.
African American families represent 43% of the homeless family population, indicating systemic inequalities within housing stability.

Impact on Women

Women constitute 80% of adults in homeless families, facing higher risks of chronic illnesses, substance abuse, mental health issues, and domestic violence.
53% of homeless women lack a high school diploma, affecting their employment and housing opportunities.
Domestic violence and sexual abuse are leading causes of homelessness among women, with 20-50% of homeless women and children escaping abusive situations.

Vulnerability of Specific Groups

Approximately 13% of homeless adults were veterans in 2012, indicating a need for targeted support for this demographic.
LGBTQ+ youth are significantly affected by homelessness, with 20% identifying as such, and 62% of homeless gay/transgender youth attempting suicide.
Among LGBTQ+ individuals experiencing domestic violence, 57% became homeless as a direct result.

Pregnant Women and Health Risks

Pregnant homeless women typically exhibit younger demographics and have histories of family disruption, increasing their vulnerability.
Risk factors for adverse maternal and fetal outcomes include poor healthcare access, inadequate nutrition, and exposure to violence.
A Canadian study indicated that homeless pregnant women experience a threefold increase in preterm delivery and a sevenfold rise in low birth weight.

Causes and Contributing Factors

Common causes of homelessness include unemployment, lack of social support, substance abuse, mental illness, and eviction.
Discrimination in housing based on ethnicity, number of children, or welfare status exacerbates risks of homelessness.
The pandemic has been associated with increased intimate partner violence (IPV), which directly contributes to rising homelessness among women.

Economic Challenges and Housing Crisis

As of January 2021, approximately 580,466 individuals were homeless in the U.S., an estimate believed to be low.
A predicted increase of 49% in homelessness is anticipated over the next four years due to the pandemic's economic impacts.
For every 100 extremely low-income renter households, only 37 affordable homes are available, exacerbating housing insecurity.

Eviction Statistics and Trends

One-third of U.S. households are renters, with many living below the poverty line and spending over half their income on housing costs.
Black households face double the eviction rates compared to white households, with women of color, particularly Black women, being especially vulnerable to eviction.
Historical context reveals that during the Reagan administration, welfare assistance policies led to a drastic reduction in housing subsidies, contributing to homelessness.

Local Insights: Syracuse and Central New York

Syracuse's "Point In Time Count" indicated fluctuating homelessness numbers over recent years, with a significant decrease from 723 in 2019 to 613 in January 2020.
Ongoing community efforts and local data collection provide insights into the state of homelessness and inform policy and support initiatives.

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Description

This quiz explores the issue of homelessness, particularly focusing on Onondaga, Cayuga, and Oswego counties. It highlights the statistics surrounding homelessness, including the demographic trends and challenges faced by families, especially those led by women. Test your knowledge about this critical social issue.