Officials in 93 percent of the cities expect that requests for emergency shelter will increase next year. Eighty-eight percent expect that requests by homeless families will increase. The city officials report that the strong economy has had very little positive impact on hunger and homelessness. In many cities, conditions are likely to decline further next year. Low paying jobs that cannot support a household continues to be a very troublesome problem.
Many cities report that welfare reform has had a negative impact on hunger and homelessness.
Moreover, several cities expect a downturn in the economy which will further increase the number of homeless and requests for food. The entire report is online as of January 5, 1999. To have a hard copy mailed to you, please contact Doreen Hardie at 202.293.7330.