Fannie Mae - Help the Homeless Program: About Homelessness

Who is Homeless?

More than 12,000 people in the Washington metropolitan area do not have homes a number that is expected to grow under current economic conditions. This includes people living on the streets, staying in shelters, or living in transitional housing.

There are many misconceptions about homelessness. Fewer than 11 percent regularly live on the streets. More than 40 percent of homeless people are families and about one in four are children. Nearly one-third of homeless people are employed.

Why Are People Homeless?

The shortage of affordable housing in the Washington metropolitan area is the primary contributor to homelessness. With monthly rents averaging more than $1,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, a worker earning minimum wage may not be able to afford a safe and decent apartment. Many working families struggle to find homes within financial reach.

People also become homeless as a result of challenging life situations, including job loss. Steep increases in rent can force families onto the street. Single mothers who cannot afford to work and pay for childcare show up at shelters with their children. Others become homeless because they are too sick to work or must flee an abusive home. Some teenagers run away or are forced out of their homes and cannot afford to live on their own. Every experience is different, but all homeless people share one reality: They have no place to call home.

Is There a Solution?

Yes, we can prevent and end homelessness. To do so, we must increase the supply of permanent affordable homes for people with low to extremely low incomes. Today, more than 4,000 formerly homeless residents are living in permanent affordable housing. In addition to stable housing, preventive and supportive services such as employment training, substance abuse recovery programs, and mental health assistance can help individuals and families get back on track.

In our area, efforts to eliminate homelessness are under way. Alexandria, Montgomery County, Fairfax County, and the District of Columbia are developing and implementing 10-year plans to prevent and end homelessness.

How Can I Help?

Your help is critically important. Register for the Help the Homeless Walkathon today, urge others to participate, recruit Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Program sponsors, make a donation, or participate in one of the Mini-Walks around the region. You can also contact any of the Help the Homeless Beneficiaries directly to find out how you can help them. You may be able to volunteer your time, give money, or donate needed supplies. Working together we can prevent and end homelessness!

Copyright, 2009 Fannie Mae.
All rights reserved.

Fannie Mae is working with the Community Foundation for the National Capital Region (CFNCR), who will assist Fannie Mae in the administration of the Help the Homeless Program. CFNCR is a tax exempt 501 (c) (3) organization (Tax ID# 23-7343119). Your donation is tax deductible as a charitable contribution to the fullest extent of the law. Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Program, 3900 Wisconsin Avenue, NW; Washington, DC 20016.


Walker Info Register to Walk Event Day Information 2009 Sponsoring Partners FAQs Ways to Participate Register to Walk Volunteer About Homelessness Homeless Facts About the Program Tools & Resources Contact Us Contact Information FAQs Privacy Policy
REGISTER NOW DONATE NOW RETURNING WALKER LOGIN Remember Me Forgot your password? Partners Sponsoring Partner Info Becoming a Partner 2009 Sponsoring Partners Partner Spotlight Tools & Resources Mini-Walks Mini-Walk Information Tools & Resources Beneficiaries Become a Beneficiary Beneficiary Information 2009 Beneficiaries Tools & Resources	About Homelessness Who is Homeless? More than 12,000 people in the Washington metropolitan area do not have homes a number that is expected to grow under current economic conditions. This includes people living on the streets, staying in shelters, or living in transitional housing. There are many misconceptions about homelessness. Fewer than 11 percent regularly live on the streets. More than 40 percent of homeless people are families and about one in four are children. Nearly one-third of homeless people are employed. Why Are People Homeless? The shortage of affordable housing in the Washington metropolitan area is the primary contributor to homelessness. With monthly rents averaging more than $1,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, a worker earning minimum wage may not be able to afford a safe and decent apartment. Many working families struggle to find homes within financial reach. People also become homeless as a result of challenging life situations, including job loss. Steep increases in rent can force families onto the street. Single mothers who cannot afford to work and pay for childcare show up at shelters with their children. Others become homeless because they are too sick to work or must flee an abusive home. Some teenagers run away or are forced out of their homes and cannot afford to live on their own. Every experience is different, but all homeless people share one reality: They have no place to call home. Is There a Solution? Yes, we can prevent and end homelessness. To do so, we must increase the supply of permanent affordable homes for people with low to extremely low incomes. Today, more than 4,000 formerly homeless residents are living in permanent affordable housing. In addition to stable housing, preventive and supportive services such as employment training, substance abuse recovery programs, and mental health assistance can help individuals and families get back on track. In our area, efforts to eliminate homelessness are under way. Alexandria, Montgomery County, Fairfax County, and the District of Columbia are developing and implementing 10-year plans to prevent and end homelessness. How Can I Help? Your help is critically important. Register for the Help the Homeless Walkathon today, urge others to participate, recruit Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Program sponsors, make a donation, or participate in one of the Mini-Walks around the region. You can also contact any of the Help the Homeless Beneficiaries directly to find out how you can help them. You may be able to volunteer your time, give money, or donate needed supplies. Working together we can prevent and end homelessness!
Copyright, 2009 Fannie Mae. All rights reserved. Fannie Mae is working with the Community Foundation for the National Capital Region (CFNCR), who will assist Fannie Mae in the administration of the Help the Homeless Program. CFNCR is a tax exempt 501 (c) (3) organization (Tax ID# 23-7343119). Your donation is tax deductible as a charitable contribution to the fullest extent of the law. Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Program, 3900 Wisconsin Avenue, NW; Washington, DC 20016.