Our constituency is people who are homeless. NYC is experiencing record numbers of homeless people in shelter. The point in time number of homeless families in city shelters at 6,252, including 11,594 children, is a 31% increase over the same time 1 year ago. The total shelter census (on a single night) in March, 2001 reached 26,226. These numbers do not include unsheltered homeless people who are not counted by or included in NYC homeless statistics, nor do they include people living in Transitional or Permanent Supportive Housing funded by Homeless Assistance funds, people doubled up, or in jail who were homeless prior to arrest, often for offenses such as sleeping on the sidewalk and who will be released from jail to return to homelessness, or homeless people currently on psychiatric or “detox” units with no housing upon discharge.

Homelessness cuts across all racial, ethnic, gender, family composition, age and sexual orientation demographics. What homeless people have in common is extreme poverty and even when working, do not earn enough to obtain housing. Disabilities, such as chronic mental illness, chemical addiction and chronic health problems such as HIV/AIDS, and TB are more prevalent among people who are homeless than the general population.

Picture the Homeless is led and directed by homeless people. Members gain the skills and knowledge to impact public policy decisions and the service system and develop courses of action that move the public discourse on homelessness. Members who do not consistently participate in meetings benefit from learning about their rights and having a connection with other homeless people fighting to make systemic changes. Real solutions to homelessness benefits both homeless and housed people. New members are often surprised at having a place to go to express their ideas, develop and carry out direct actions, build organizing and communication skills and have a chance to educate the public about homelessness.