POVERTY/HOMELESS

People who experience poverty or homelessness in New Mexico include families with children, people who are working at low-wage jobs, people suffering from mental illness, those with substance abuse problems, migrant workers, runaway or throwaway teens, victims of domestic violence and veterans. In other words, people who experience poverty/homelessness are a diverse group of people with a variety of factors contributing to their situation (NM Coalition to End Homelessness).

Poverty and Homelessness in NM:
For 2009, the federal poverty level is $22,050 for a family of four. Children living in families with incomes below the federal poverty level are referred to as poor.  In New Mexico, there are 285,458 families, with 501,133 children. (National Center on Children in Poverty).

 

NM ranks 47th in child homelessness across the 50 states.. Nearly 9,000 New Mexican children will experience homelessness in 2009. Homeless children are more likely to have moderate to severe health issues, difficulties in school and emotional disturbances. (National Center on Family Homelessness, “America’s Youngest Outcasts” March 2009)

The Federal Definition of Homeless is:

 

Housing is a human right. 
All people need and deserve a safe, decent, affordable place to live.