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Homelessness and hunger on the rise in American cities

Homelessness and hunger increased in an overwhelming majority of 25 U.S. cities in the past year, driven by the foreclosure crisis and rising unemployment, a survey shows.

Out of 25 cities across the United States surveyed by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, 83% said homelessness in general had increased over the past year while 16 cities, or nearly two-thirds of those polled, cited a rise in the number of families who had been forced out of their homes.

Only four cities -- including Miami -- reported a decrease in the homeless population. The number of homeless families, however, did rise in Miami. Orlando isn't included because the survey was limited to cities whose mayors serve on the U.S. Conference of Mayors Hunger and Homelessness Task Force.

Meanwhile, the number of people seeking food assistance for the first time was up in all 21 cities with data on the issue, and was "particularly notable among working families stressed by the increase in food prices and the slowdown in the economy," the report said.

Read the Agency France-Presse article here and the entire report here.

Full post as published by the 13th juror on December 14, 2008 (boomark / email).