Homelessness Statistics in Arkansas Overview
Homelessness poses a significant problem in the United States, impacting individuals and communities nationwide. Based on the 2020 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress conducted by HUD, approximately 580,466 people were estimated to be experiencing homelessness on a single night in January 2020. This figure encompasses individuals residing in emergency shelters, transitional housing programs, and unsheltered locations. Among the homeless population, there is a subset known as the chronically homeless, who have endured long-term homelessness, often accompanied by disabilities or mental health challenges.
The Main Causes of Homelessness
The problem of homelessness is a complex and multifaceted issue that affects individuals, families, and communities worldwide. Have you ever asked yourself why it is so common? Let’s look at some of the main reasons behind this global issue.
- Lack of Affordable Housing. The scarcity of affordable housing stands as a major contributor to homelessness. Rising housing costs, coupled with stagnant wages, can pose challenges for individuals and families to secure and maintain stable housing;
- Economic Factors. Homelessness frequently correlates with economic factors such as poverty, unemployment, and underemployment. Individuals experiencing financial hardships or lacking a stable income may encounter difficulties in affording to house, thereby increasing their vulnerability to housing instability;
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse. Mental health challenges and substance abuse can have an impact on the development of homelessness. Individuals who have untreated mental illnesses or addiction disorders may encounter difficulties in both maintaining stable housing and accessing essential support services;
- Domestic Violence. Survivors of domestic violence often face homelessness as they try to escape abusive situations. A lack of safe and affordable housing options can leave them with limited choices, leading to homelessness;
- Systemic Factors. Structural issues such as inadequate social safety nets cuts to affordable housing programs, discrimination, and systemic inequality can contribute to homelessness. These factors can disproportionately affect marginalized populations, including racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and veterans;
- Health and Well-being. Homelessness is associated with poor physical and mental health outcomes. Residing on the streets or in transitional shelters exposes individuals to harsh conditions, lack of hygiene facilities, and limited access to healthcare services;
- The cycle of Homelessness. Homelessness can be a cyclical problem. Without stable housing, individuals may find it challenging to secure employment or access education and support services, making it difficult to break the cycle of homelessness.
Effectively addressing the issue of homelessness necessitates a comprehensive approach that integrates initiatives for affordable housing, supportive services, mental health and addiction treatment, employment assistance, and community outreach. Delivering sustainable solutions and offering support to individuals experiencing homelessness heavily relies on the indispensable collaboration and cooperation among government agencies, non-profit organizations, community groups, and individuals.
Homeless In Arkansas Statistics
Arkansas is home to a substantial population of individuals experiencing homelessness. Analyzing data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regarding individuals who received funded services, emergency shelters, or transitional shelters, the Arkansas Management Information System discovered that approximately 22,000 people encountered homelessness at some point in 2006. Furthermore, a comprehensive assessment conducted on January 24, 2007, which encompassed individuals residing in shelters and an observational count of those on the streets or in camps, estimated that on any given night, there were approximately 7,400 to 8,000 homeless Arkansans.
In January 2020, Arkansas had an estimated 2,790 individuals experiencing homelessness on a single night, as reported in the 2020 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) presented to Congress by HUD. This includes individuals seeking refuge in emergency shelters, transitional housing programs, and those residing in unsheltered locations.
Out of the total of homeless individuals counted across Arkansas’ five Continuum-of-Care districts, 1,163 were identified as residing in sheltered conditions, marking an increase from the previous year’s count of 1,093. Regarding unsheltered homeless individuals, the count experienced a slight rise of 23, going from 1,273 to 1,296.
It may sound surprising, but after the Corona outbreak, the number of homeless people decreased across the country but still remained a huge problem. However, in some states, the trend was the opposite.
For example, prior to the pandemic, homelessness rates in Arkansas witnessed a decline, but the early months of 2020 witnessed a notable reversal in this trend due to economic and social hardships. Despite the implementation of eviction moratoriums, reports from advocates for unhoused individuals indicated that evictions were still occurring in the state during the pandemic. Challenges such as food insecurity and limited affordable housing options, which already existed before the pandemic, were exacerbated further during and after lockdown measures and played a significant role in the surge of homelessness. In 2021 the rate of homelessness increased by 34.4% compared to the 2020 statistics.
Additional Facts about Homelessness in Arkansas
There are a few facts about the homelessness situation in Arkansas we can’t miss out on.
- In Arkansas, a significant segment of the homeless population lacks shelter, signifying the limited accessibility of emergency shelters or transitional housing. This emphasizes the pressing need for outreach endeavors and support services aimed at aiding individuals living on the streets;
- Similar to numerous other states, Arkansas confronts obstacles concerning homelessness in rural areas. In these remote regions, the availability of crucial resources like shelters, support services, and affordable housing may be scarce, thereby exacerbating the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness in accessing the necessary assistance;
- Efforts have been made to address veteran homelessness in Arkansas. According to the 2020 AHAR report, on a single night in January 2020, an estimated 142 veterans experienced homelessness in the state. Continued efforts are being made to provide housing and support services to homeless veterans;
- Arkansas is home to several organizations and agencies that are actively engaged in addressing homelessness. Their collective efforts encompass a diverse array of initiatives, including the provision of emergency shelters, transitional housing programs, outreach services, and supportive services. The overarching goal of these endeavors is to target the underlying causes of homelessness while empowering individuals with the necessary resources to regain stability and improve their lives.
Summing Up
Homelessness remains a significant issue in the United States, and Arkansas is not exempt from its challenges. Aspects like a lack of affordable housing, economic hardships, mental health issues, domestic violence, systemic inequalities, and poor health outcomes contribute to the problem. To combat homelessness, a comprehensive approach is required, integrating affordable housing, supportive services, mental health and addiction treatment, employment assistance, and community outreach.
In Arkansas specifically, efforts have been made to address homelessness, with organizations and agencies providing emergency shelters, transitional housing, outreach, and supportive services. However, rural areas face additional obstacles due to limited resources. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the situation, leading to an increase in homelessness rates in Arkansas. Despite these challenges, ongoing efforts are being made to provide assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness and work toward long-term solutions.