Homelessness

Who are the homeless in Idaho?

Using definitions from the Idaho Housing and Finance Association, an unsheltered homeless person resides in a place not meant for human habitation – a vehicle or on the streets – or in temporary tents, encampments, and warming centers. A sheltered homeless person resides in an emergency shelter, transitional housing, or supportive housing for homeless persons who originally came from the streets or emergency shelters¹.

• On January 28, 2015, there were 1,966 homeless men, women and children in Idaho.¹  Of those counted:
  • 24% were unsheltered
  • 60% were single individuals or members of adult-only households
  • 40% were in households with children
  • 484 were children (under 18), including 69 unsheltered children
  • 17% were veterans
• The top three situations leading to homelessness include unemployment (50%), inability to find affordable housing (38%), and eviction/inability to pay rent (25%).
• The top three circumstances that prevent people from finding housing include unemployment (51%), inability to find affordable housing (46%), and disability (21%).
• The largest percentage of Idaho’s homeless live in Ada County (38.4%), followed by the five northern counties (21.8%).

Sources

1. Idaho Housing and Finance Association (2015)