In Michigan, on any one night, there are approximately 24,713 sheltered homeless individuals, with an additional 41,338 unsheltered, a total of 66,051. These statistics include 34,622 adults and children in homeless families.

Myth or Fact?

Myth	Fact
Not many children are homeless.	Children make up at least 20% of the homeless population. Families with children is the fastest growing group of homeless. Nationally, one in five people in a soup kitchen line is a child. Many homeless children are alone and homeless, either runaways or "throwaways".
They are heavy drug and alcohol users.	Some homeless are substance abusers; research suggests one in four. Many of these are included in the 25% who are mentally ill.
They want to be that way.	Less than six percent of the homeless are homeless by choice.
They don't work.	30% of the homeless are employed on a full-time or part-time basis. Someone who works full-time at a minimum-wage job takes home about $900.00 per month and is at great risk for homelessness.
They are to blame for their own situation.	Most homeless people are victims. Some have suffered from child abuse or domestic violence. 20% are children. Many are mentally ill. Many have lost their jobs after years of employment. All have lost their homes.
They are dangerous.	In general, the homeless are among the least threatening and most vulnerable group in our society. If anything, they are the victims of crimes, not the perpetrators.
The homeless are only in large urban areas.	The homeless are found not only in large cities, but in small towns, rural areas, and affluent suburbs. There are many homeless in Michigan.
The homeless are uneducated and unemployable.	Many homeless people have completed high school; some have attended college and even graduate school.