Foreclosure to Homelessness reports findings.

Report on Foreclosure to Homelessness Released
August 3, 2009by NCHV
Category: News || Foreclosures | No CommentsWashington, D.C. - August 3, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) — A coalition of homeless advocacy agencies have released a report called “Foreclosure to Homelessness.” The report provides insight into the contribution that foreclosures have made to current homeless populations.

The report was based on surveys completed by organizations that provide services to people experiencing homelessness. These services include food assistance, legal aid, emergency shelter and transitional housing, among others. Respondents were asked to estimate the percentage of their clientele who were accessing services as a result of foreclosure. This survey was administered between January 15, 2009, and February 21, 2009, and the information gathered reflects the 12-month period ending the date the respondent took the survey.

Key findings include:

Housing providers (including emergency, transitional, and permanent housing) estimated that 5 percent of their clients experienced homelessness as a result of foreclosure; all respondents estimated that 10 percent of their clients experienced homelessness as a result of foreclosure.
Those homeless due to foreclosure tended to be renters – not owners.
Many of those who faced homelessness as a result of foreclosure – both renters and owners - did not seek legal advice in foreclosure proceedings.
Additional information gathered by the Alliance shows that while foreclosures have contributed to homelessness, financial obstacles, addiction, and eviction remain the leading self-reported reasons of homelessness.
“Local reports indicate that homelessness is on the rise and this report gives us insight into the role that foreclosures may be having on that increase,” said Nan Roman, president of the National Alliance to End Homelessness. “We’re grateful that since the time this data was collected, federal actions have provided communities with resources to prevent and end homelessness in the form of stimulus dollars and renter protections.”

The report and corresponding information can be viewed here.

http://www.endhomelessness.org/section/data/interactivemaps/foreclosure