Facts and Stats: The Least of These (Matthew 25)
While 7% of California's population identifies as Black, Black Californians represent more than a quarter of the state's homeless population. The overrepresentation of Black communities in the homeless population is a direct result of racism in housing, employment, criminal justice and economic systems.
7% of homeless adults in California are veterans (10,000 in 2022).
72% of homeless adults in California have experienced physical violence.
44% of homeless women in California report their homelessness is a direct result of domestic violence.Β
70% of homeless adults in California have been incarcerated.Β
66% of homeless people in California report having a mental health condition.Β
82% of homeless people in California have had a mental health or substance abuse condition at some time in their life.
25% of homeless people in California have a serious mental health condition.
65% of homeless people in California report using illicit drugs regularly.
37% of homeless people in California used in the preceding 6 months.
A significant portion of individuals who regularly used substances (20%) wanted treatment but were unable to access it. This was attributed to various barriers including lack of insurance, long waitlists, transportation challenges, and dissatisfaction with program structure.
The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it for me.' Matthew 25:40