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Most are those whose lives have been devastated by drugs, alcohol, physical abuse and unforeseen tragedies. Others
are homeless because of loss of jobs or break up of the family. Still others are simply dysfunctional or mentally ill. Despite
the reasons, these people are all down-and-out, in a state of hopeless despair and are in immediate need of love, sound guidance
and assistance.
Contrary to popular belief, children account for
15% of the homeless population. Indeed, the average age of a homeless person in the United States is 9. Families with children
make up the fastest growing segment of homeless Americans. In addition, many older children are alone and homeless, either
runaways or "throwaways". Approximately 25% of the total homeless population are mentally ill. Thirty percent of the homeless
are employed on a full-time or part-time basis. In fact, nearly all of the homeless want to work, but don't have the job skills,
tools, education, home address, and self-confidence to do so (although a sizable minority of the homeless, as mentioned above,
are working -- they just don't earn enough to both feed and house their families).
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