The state of the American economy is having a major influence on the nation's poor and homeless, according to an annual survey by the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions

Christian Century, Nov 20, 2002

* The state of the American economy is having a major influence on the nation's poor and homeless, according to an annual survey by the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions. Almost 60 percent of the more than 20,000 homeless people surveyed nationwide in October said it was more difficult for them to find work at that time than it was six months ago.

Thirty-seven percent attributed their homelessness at least in part to economic conditions. The Snapshot Survey of the Homeless, released November 7, also showed a marked increase in homeless families seeking assistance. Families consisting of a husband, wife and children accounted for 25 percent of families served--an increase from 17 percent in 2001 and the largest percentage ever for that group in the survey's 14-year history.