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TextHomelessness In Our Community
Threats of severe temperatures and hunger —
that’s what more than 1,700 children, women and men may face again
today. Homelessness is a real problem in the Fairfax County-Falls Church
community.
Majority of the homeless are families and many work full
time
The majority of people without homes in our community are children
and working families:
-
Over 60% of homeless persons are in families.
-
45% of children who are homeless are under age six.
- 64% of adults in homeless families work.
These numbers come from an annual Fairfax-Falls Church community survey.
This point-in-time survey will give you a comprehensive look on the
homeless population in our community. Read the 2009 Point-in-Time Count
Highlights 
We are home to the second largest number of people
without homes
It might surprise you, but the second largest number of people who are
homeless in our region live in the Fairfax-Falls Church community. Only
in Washington, D.C., are there more people without homes.
Drugs and alcohol are not the main reason for
homelessness
Only 3% of families who are homeless have drug or alcohol problems.
These are not the main causes of homelessness for families.
Rising housing prices are the main cause of homeless
families
Low incomes and expensive housing are the main reasons for
homelessness in our community:
- Monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,134.
- A family must earn $22.25 an hour to afford a one-bedroom apartment.
- 82% of homeless families earn less than $14.24 an hour.
It is impossible to pay for an apartment when earning minimum wage — even if you work 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.
Violence against women and poor health are also
reasons
The point-in-time survey on homelessness says:
-
25% of persons in families that are homeless are victims of domestic
violence.
- 30% of singles that are homeless have chronic health problems.
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