The Word on the Street

Statistics compiled by LAURA WALDCHEN, Junior Technical Journalism Student

On any given night in America, anywhere from 700,000 to 2 million people are homeless, according to estimates of the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty.

According to a December, 2000 report of the US Conference of Mayors:

* Single men comprise 44 percent of the homeless, single women 13 percent, families with children 36 percent, and unaccompanied minors seven percent.

* The homeless population is about 50 percent African-American, 35 percent white, 12 percent Hispanic, 2 percent Native American and 1 percent Asian.

According to the 1996 National Survey of Homeless Assistance Providers and Clients (NSHAPC):

* Single homeless individuals in 1996 reported an average income of $348 during the last 30 days, about 51 percent of the 1996 federal poverty level of $680/month for one person.

* 28 percent said they sometimes or often do not get enough to eat, compared with 12 percent of poor American adults.

* 44 percent did paid work during the past month.

* 21 percent received income from family members or friends.

* 66 percent of the homeless have problems with alcohol, drug abuse, or mental illness.

* 22 percent have been physically assaulted.

* 7 percent have been sexually assaulted.

* 38 percent say someone stole money or things directly from them.

* 30 percent have been homeless for more than two years.