Benilde Hall Facts
Homeless Addicts in Our Community
There are more than 17,000 homeless in our community. On January 27, 2009, 3,306
individuals were homeless in Kansas City, an increase of almost 50% from January of
2008. Of those surveyed:
•
66.2% were single adults
•
59% were male
•
46.8% have been homeless for 12 months
•
19.4% were veterans
•
27.6% reported substance abuse
•
21.6% reported serious mental illness
•
7.2% reported a developmental disability
•
14.9% physical disability
(Point in time data, 1/27/09, The Homeless Services Coalition data, 04/15/09)
“On any night, there are 154,000
veterans sleeping on the streets.”
A 2003 study documented that in Kansas City, 26% of the homeless had a mental illness, 40% had substance abuse
addictions and 41% of the homeless were single men. Primary causes of homelessness included substance abuse, lack of
affordable housing and poverty (US Mayors Conference, 2003). In their 2008 Annual Report, The Homeless Services
Coalition documented self-reported reasons for becoming homeless as eviction (50%), unemployment (41%), substance
abuse (27%), and mental illness, (14%).
The rate of hospitalizations related to alcohol and substance-related mental disorders in Jackson County (20.9) is
significantly higher than the state rate (16.7). In 2006 there were more than 98,000 hospitalizations in Missouri related to
drug and alcohol use. There were 1,177 drug and alcohol related deaths and 85,620 DWI/DUI and drug arrests. (Missouri
Department of Mental Health) Jackson County had the second highest risk factors regarding substance abuse morbidity and
sexually transmitted disease in the state (Jackson County Prevention Assessment Profile – Missouri Department of Mental
Health).
Homeless Veterans
The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans reports that there are between 529,000 and 840,000 veterans who are
homeless at some point during the year in the United States. On any night there are 154,000 veterans sleeping on the
streets. About one fourth of the homeless are vets and one out of three homeless men is a veteran. Almost all are male
(96%), 79% are in the central city, 76% have a substance abuse or mental illness issue. 45% have a mental illness and half
have an addiction issue. Currently, government funding provides services for 10% of those in need. In Missouri there are 82
beds funded for vets and 3,325 homeless veterans.
Cost of Homeless Addicts
The impact of homelessness and substance abuse on the community is significant. It is documented that it costs about
$55,000 to care for a homeless person annually. (www.whatcounts.com)
3220 East 23rd Street Kansas City, MO 64127 816-842-5836
Call United Way’s Info & Referral Line - Dial 211
