Homelessness in Arizona

Maricopa County estimates at least 20,000-30,000 homeless people at any given time.

	One in five is under the age of 18.
	30% of the homeless are families with children.
	Approximately 42% of the homeless community are substance abusers.
	At least 25% have serious mental health disorders such as depression or schizophrenia.
	11% are considered dual diagnosed for both substance abuse and mental health problems.
	27% are female victims of domestic violence.
	12% are veterans.

(Source: Current Status of Homelessness in Arizona (.pdf), 14th Edition, The Homelessness Coordination Office of the Arizona Department of Economic Security)

Not everyone we serve at Paz de Cristo is homeless. Some are living in poverty. Below is information on the federal poverty level:

	The federal poverty level is $18,850 for a family of four.
	To earn $18,850 per year, one family member would have to earn an hourly wage of $9.04. However, an hourly wage of $16.06 is needed to rent an average two-bedroom apartment in AZ.
	An AZ worker earning minimum wage of $5.15 per hour would need to work 125 hours per week in order to afford a two-bedroom apartment in the area’s Fair Market Rent

(Source: National Low Income Housing Coalition, 2004).

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