There is a distinct difference in the rates of homelessness amongst men and women. Currently the number of homeless men is far greater than that of women with 70% being male and 30% being female. While we cannot pinpoint a direct cause as to why men are more prone to homelessness than women, data suggests that the causes of homelessness differ with gender.
Primary causes of homelessness based on gender:
Men:
unemployment
alcohol abuse
jail release
Women:
eviction
domestic violence
Data also suggests a difference in the number of sheltered and unsheltered men and women within the homeless population. Sheltered individuals are those that reside in temporary emergency shelters. These shelters provide residents with safety and protection from the weather and outdoor environment. Unsheltered individuals are those that reside on the streets often taking shelter in cars, parks, abandoned buildings and makeshift tents. These individuals are unprotected from the environment and must rely on their own means to survive. Out of the percentage of homeless men and women within the population, 49% of men remain unsheltered and 45% of women remain unsheltered.
It is important to understand the gender gap within the homeless community because it provides us with a better understanding of the current population. This way we can better prepare ourselves when devising a strategy to end homelessness altogether.
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