NATIONWIDE SURVEY OF 15,000 HOMELESS: One in Five At U.S. Rescue Missions Have Lost Government Benefits In Last 12 Months

Are Changes in the Welfare System the Reason?

 (Washington, D.C.) - Today, the International Union of Gospel Missions (IUGM) released its 1997 Snap Shot Survey of the Homeless, a survey of more than 15,000 homeless men, women and children. The results show that 20 percent of the homeless checking into America's Rescue Missions have become homeless because of the loss of government benefits in the past year.

"Changes in both state and federal welfare programs, eligibility requirements for food stamps, Social Security Disability, and SSI are the primary reasons for this," said Rev. Stephen E. Burger, Executive Director of IUGM, an association of 260 Rescue missions from around the country. The survey also reflects, Burger adds, "In past years, the homeless were getting younger. This year we found that they are getting older."

The Snap Shot Survey was conducted this fall by more than 135 Rescue missions across the nation. It asked a variety of questions, including age, sex, time spent unemployed and/or homeless, and whether the individual has plans to move to another city.

The full results of the survey are attached. Highlights include:

"Those who lost benefits tend to be alcohol and drug addicted men and women in their 40's and 50's who previously received Social Security Disability, and SSI benefits," says Burger. "The government has finally done away with their drunk checks." 

"Even though we have not yet seen the total impact of welfare reform, people are already falling through the cracks," said Burger. "As a result, welfare dependents, alcoholics and drug addicts are turning to rescue missions for support. This can be a very positive thing because now, many must deal with their problems. Rescue missions are effective in addressing these life issues because they minister to the whole person - body, mind, and soul."

Burger added, "The key to the success of Rescue missions is the spiritual element of their programs. Indeed, 76 percent of the homeless surveyed prefer to receive services from faith-based organizations." 

Burger noted other interesting results. The number of clients who have been homeless less than one year increased from 58 percent in 1996 to 60 percent this year. Those unemployed more than six months also rose from 50 percent to 55 percent.

Some results did remain constant with those of 1996. For example, the ratio of men to women was 4:1, a figure that has remained unchanged for several years. The percentage of clients aged 25 and under was 24 percent.

A racial breakdown of the homeless who come to Rescue missions is: Caucasian 46 percent, African American 36 percent, Hispanics 12 percent and the combined percentage of Asians and Native Americans at rescue missions was 6 percent.

Adding a cautious tone, Burger said, "We have only begun to see the effects of the Welfare Reform Act which was signed into law last year. We anticipate dramatic changes next year when work requirements become effective and women and families feel the full impact of the loss of AFDC and other benefits. We don't see them coming in great numbers yet, but they will."

IUGM member missions provide emergency food and shelter, youth and family services, rehabilitation programs for the addicted, and assistance to the elderly poor and at-risk youth. Last year, IUGM rescue missions served more than 30 million meals, provided 12 million nights lodging, distributed more than 24 million pieces of clothing and graduated more than 20,000 homeless men and women into productive living.

Further information about the IUGM survey is available on the IUGM website at http://www.iugm.org.

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INTERNATIONAL UNION OF GOSPEL MISSIONS

Fall Survey Statistical Comparison

For More Information Contact: Phil Rydman phone: 816-471-8020