The Myths and Reality of Homeless New Yorkers

The number of
homeless families living
in New York City’s
shelter system reached
a new record in 2007.
The average age
of a homeless person
in America is now
nine years old.
Within a year of
becoming homeless,
41 percent of children
will attend two different
schools, while 28
percent will attend
three or more schools.
The constant upheaval
sets back homeless
children academically
an average of four to
six months behind
their peers.
Over the past nine years,
the number of homeless
families sleeping in New
York City shelters and
welfare hotels has more
than doubled, from 4,429
families in January 1998
to 9,283 in March 2007.
Tragically there has been
an 11 percent increase in
homeless children in New
York City shelters in the
past year alone.
Reality:
Over two-thirds
sleeping tonight
shelters are
Every day the Coalition helps homeless
children and adults find hope and
rebuild their lives with programs and
services that provide immediate
intervention and long-term support.
of the people
in New York City
families with children.
Every year Camp Homeward Bound
provides 300 homeless boys and girls ages
7 to 15 with a much-needed break from the
chaos of homelessness during a 16-day
summer sleep-away experience in Harriman
State Park.
The Bound for Success After-School
Program provides scores of children with
a safe, fun, and supportive environment
that builds academic skills and supplements
their formal education with social,
emotional, and physical activities.
coalitionforthehomeless.org