National Homelessness Advocacy Groups Release "Foreclosure to Homelessness"

Report indicates that foreclosure has affected homelessness; primary reasons for homelessness, however, remain consistent through recession.

Washington, D.C. (Vocus) June 26, 2009 -- On Friday, June 26, 2009, a coalition of homeless advocacy agencies released a report called "Foreclosure to Homelessness." The report provides insight into the contribution that foreclosures have made to current homeless populations.

The report was based on surveys completed by organizations that provide services to people experiencing homelessness. These services include food assistance, legal aid, emergency shelter, and transitional housing, among others. Respondents were asked to estimate the percentage of their clientele who were accessing services as a result of foreclosure. This survey was administered between January 15, 2009 and February 21, 2009 and the information gathered reflects the 12-month period ending the date the respondent took the survey.

Key findings include:

* Housing providers (including emergency, transitional, and permanent housing) estimated that 5 percent of their clients experienced homelessness as a result of foreclosure; 10 percent of all respondents estimated that their clients experienced homelessness as a result of foreclosure.

* Those homeless due to foreclosure tended to be renters - not owners.

Many of those who faced homelessness as a result of foreclosure - both renters and owners - .did not seek legal advice in foreclosure proceedings.

Additional information gathered by the Alliance shows that while foreclosures have contributed to homelessness, financial obstacles, addiction, and eviction remain the leading self-reported reasons of homelessness.

"Local reports indicate that homelessness is on the rise and this report gives us insight into the role that foreclosures may be having on that increase", said Nan Roman, president of the National Alliance to End Homelessness. "We're grateful that since the time this data was collected, federal actions have provided communities with resources to prevent and end homelessness, in the form of stimulus dollars and renter protections."

The report and corresponding information can be found on our website (http://www.endhomelessness.org/section/data/interactivemaps/foreclosure).

Contact: Catherine An

202-942-8297

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