The following examines some of the myths and the realities about homelessness. Homeless people commit more violent crimes than housed people. The report findings are summarized in the following table. To the extent they do move to new areas, it is because they are searching for work, have family in the area, or other reasons not related to services. Homeless people are a fixed population who are usually homeless for long periods of time.
Homeless people are mostly single men.
5 Other research finds that homeless families comprise the majority of homeless people in rural areas. Homeless people don't work and get most of their money from public assistance programs. Homeless people do work, and a relatively small percentage of them receive government assistance. 9 James Wright, of Tulane University, has studied the prevalence of alcohol and other drug abuse among the homeless population. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental Health Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Integrating Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services for Homeless People with Co-Occurring Mental and Substance Use Disorders 1.