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HOPE lO-Year Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness in San Mateo County SECTION III Contex~,~mnw~llanning A. Why People Become Homeless B. How Many People Are Homeless People become homeless primarily because they and At-Risk of Homelessness in are poor; there is a severe shortage of affordable San Mateo County and supportive housing; or existing health, mental health, substance abuse, housing, vocational and The HOPE Plan estimates that there are 12,200 social services programs are unable to serve them households comprising 29,693 people including an effectively. estimated 13,000 children that are either homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness on an annual Homelessness and poverty are basis in San Mateo County.2 People who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness represent just inextricably linked. under 5% of San Mateo County's total population Housing is the single most expensive item in of 707,161 people, comprising 254,103 households. most household budgets. People with limited These figures are consistent with data from other incomes, including many people who work full- communities in the region and nation-wide. time, struggle to afford housing, food, clothing, For the purpose of this plan, "homeless", "at-risk child care, health care, and other basic necessities. In San Mateo County, in 2005 a family of three of homelessness" and "housing" are defined as would need to earn $29.54/hour or $61,440 per follows: year (more than four full-time minimum wage jobs), just to afford an average priced two-bedroom apartment. Nearly half of the renters in the county earn less than this threshold. When a very low- income family or individual suffers an unexpected illness, job loss or other crisis, they all too often find themselves unable to pay the high cost of housing and become homeless. People who have no home face social, emotional and health challenges. In addition to limited incomes, a high proportion ~ of people who become homeless also face ~ challenges such as mental illness, alcohol and drug use problems, physical health problems, family separation, and limited social support -- systems. Some have been victims of physical or sexual abuse. A disproportionate number of people without homes are racial and ethnic minorities, , , veterans, foster youth, and people with criminal ~ -~ - . justice involvement. - 6