Abt Associates' Annual Study Finds Homelessness on the Decline

BETHESDA, Md., Dec. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --The number of people who experience homelessness is on the decline, according to new Abt Associates' research conducted for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The study found a 5 percent decrease in the number of homeless people on a single night in January, dropping from 671,888 in 2007 to 636,017 in 2011.

Abt, which has conducted this study for about 10 years, analyzed Point-in-Time data on the number of homeless individuals and families in more than 3,000 cities and counties as part of an annual estimate of the number of homeless people in the United States.

Among the findings:

• On a single night in January, homelessness among  persons in families has declined by 5 percent and family households by 8 percent.
• The estimated number of people who are chronically homeless dropped by nearly 14 percent, from 123,833 in 2007 to 107,148 in 2011.
• The number of veterans who experience homelessness declined by 12 percent, from 75,609 in 2009 to 67,495 in 2011.
• Five states accounted for nearly half of the nation's total homeless population: California (21 percent); New York (10 percent); Florida (9 percent); Texas (6 percent); and Georgia (3 percent).

Download a full copy of the report here.

"Abt is at the forefront of research and analysis to help policymakers understand the magnitude and causes of homelessness," said Katie Heintz, division vice president for Social & Economic Policy. "This study is a powerful tool in helping the federal government track progress on efforts to reduce and prevent homelessness."

In addition to its annual estimates of homelessness, Abt Associates has supported HUD and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' efforts to implement Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS) nationwide.  HMIS is a tool that allows local service providers, states, HUD and the VA to understand the extent and nature of homelessness, as well as assess the effectiveness of programs and services provided to individuals and families who experience homelessness in the United States.

About Abt Associates
Abt Associates is a mission-driven, global leader in research and program implementation in the fields of health, social policy, environment, and international development. Known for its rigorous approach to solving complex challenges, Abt Associates was ranked as one of the top 20 global research firms in 2011 and also named one of the top 40 international development innovators.  The company has multiple offices in the U.S. and program offices in nearly 40 countries. www.abtassociates.com

Contact:
Caroline Broder
301-347-5792

SOURCE Abt Associates