Statistics

Homelessness and Poverty

While homelessness, poverty and hunger are known social issues in our community, the actual statistics are of arresting magnitudes. With the help of our supporters, Metropolitan Ministries works to help lead people in need beyond these statistics. The more everyone knows about the facts, the more we can help make a difference.

Numerous studies document that a lack of affordable housing, a low-paying job, unemployment, limited life skills, domestic violence, physical and mental health care needs, drug and alcohol addiction, insufficient education and poverty threaten stability and contribute to hardship. At Metropolitan Ministries, we offer assistance in all of those areas to help others achieve self-sufficiency.

The Facts *Each year 2.3 to 3.5 million people will experience homelessness in America

In the Tampa Bay area, there are...

• More than 20,000 homeless people
• 9,532 homeless people in Hillsborough County
• 5,195 homeless people in Pinellas County
• 2,300 homeless people in Polk County
• 2,859 homeless people in Pasco County

The 2007 Hillsborough County Homeless Coalition Homeless Census Survey reports that there are at least 9,532 homeless people in Hillsborough County...

• 16% are children (a 48% increase in 2 years)
• 47% are Caucasian
• 32% are African-American
• 18% are Veterans
• 37% work full-time
• 23% have drug and alcohol addictions
• 18% suffer from mental illness
• 28% have a physical disability
• 56% have some type of income

Did you know...

That one of the fastest growing segments of the homeless population is families with children.

That approximately 3.5 million people, 1.35 million of them children, are likely to experience homelessness in any given year.

That most shelters, in the Tampa Bay area and nationally, do not accept homeless families with teenage boys and often require the father to separate from the family.

The most unsuspecting and innocent victims of poverty and homelessness are children.  Nearly 200 homeless children resided with their families at Metropolitan Ministries last year, and thousands more at-risk children were helped through our Outreach and Prevention Services. The Ministries is committed to being a "Beacon of Hope" and keeping the family unit intact.

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