The number of Americans living in poverty has increased from 25 million in 1980 to 36.5 million in 1997. Housing Between 1973 and 1993, 2.2 million low rent housing units disappeared as the number of low income renters increased from 7.4 million to 11.2 million. This resulted in a shortage of 4.7 million units - the largest on record.
Domestic violence is the leading cause of homelessness among women.
A 1990 Ford Fo. Most are late or post Vietnam veterans and homeless veterans are less likely to have had combat experience but are more likely to have mental illness or addiction disorders than other veterans. Rural homeless are more likely to be white, female, and working. Rates of domestic violence are higher in rural areas and rates of substance abuse are lower. There are an estimated 16,000 - 30,000 homeless people in our state.