The study shows homelessness is associated with a broad range of problems. Homeless people are among the poorest in the nation, with incomes averaging half the federal poverty level. Health and disability problems are common among homeless people.
Homeless people have low educational levels.
This makes it harder for homeless people to get jobs. The report is based on interviews completed in 1996 with 4,207 people - most homeless at the time and the rest people living in poverty who benefit from homeless assistance programs such as soup kitchens. The study is also based on interviews with representatives of 11,909 programs that serve homeless people. Interviews were conducted in 76 metropolitan areas, small cities and rural areas. The U.S. Census Bureau collected the data and the report was prepared by the Urban Institute.