Birmingham Hospitality Network - Info and Facts

Who are the Homeless?

Homelessness is a profound and growing problem for our nation and our community. Three quarters of a million Americans, both adults and children, have no place to call home.

The root cause of homelessness is simply the lack of sufficient family income to maintain decent, affordable housing. Low-income renters are often only one paycheck or calamity away from homelessness. The loss of a job, an increase in rent, sudden illness, the absence of family support – any one of these can drive a family into homelessness.

Of the approximately 2000 homeless individuals in Birmingham seeking food and shelter every day, one third are families. BHN provides a framework for religious, civic and community organizations to assist the victims of homelessness and to work together toward permanent solutions.

Through December of 2007:

We have successfully assisted 163 (82%) of our 198 families to reach permanent housing status.

• There were 269 adults and 404 children in those 198 families
• 189 individuals have gained or improved employment, which is the primary source of income at exit
• Average length of stay is 37.4 days

Contact us for more information using the information at the bottom of this page.