Nationally:

• There are 610,042 people experiencing homelessness on any given night in the United States.
• Of that number, 222,197 are people in families, and 387,845 are individuals.
• About 18 percent of the homeless population – 109,132 – are considered chronically homeless.
• About 9 percent of homeless adults- 57,849 – are veterans.

Statewide:

• In a recent survey of a single night in Massachusetts in 2013, 19,029 people were homeless, including 7,259 children and 1,253 veterans.
• Massachusetts is the 7^th most expensive state to live in.
• 44,000 school children in the state do not have a place to live.
• There has been a 40% increase in homeless individuals statewide between 2011 and 2012.
• Of the MA residents that receive rental housing support, 47% have children and 16% are elderly. 71% were employed or recently employed.
• 134,304 renter households in Massachusetts pay more than half their monthly income for housing costs. This is a 22% increase since the 2008 recession hit.
• There are 2,000 families in motels across the state.

Locally:

• In Worcester, homelessness is rising, an increase of 20% since 2012.
• In Worcester, 2000 families are in emergency shelters and 145 Worcester veterans are homeless, half of them are victims of domestic violence.
• 56% of Worcester renters are unable to afford $966 average monthly rent for 2 bedroom apt.
• RCAP is currently servicing 115 homeless families that are sheltered in hotels including over 250 children.
• Since 2011, RCAP Solutions has helped 775 families with housing stabilization.
• RCAP Solutions has distributed over $6,000,000 in stabilization funds since 2011.

100% of funds received from the Gone to the Birds Gala on Thursday, September 18, will support our homelessness prevention programs.