Homelessness in Onondaga and Cayuga Counties

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.