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Homelessness Defined
Homelessness is a complex issue, and its resolution invites a proactive approachfrom a varietyof community interests: housing, public health, mental health, economicdevelopment, socialservices, domestic violence, education, public safety, and others. In order to addressthe variousaspects of homelessness, it is necessary to define terms for common understanding.
Transitional homelessness
occurs when a housing crisis (
i.e
., loss of job, domestic violence) temporarilyrenders anindividual or family homeless. When homeless services are provided, these personsusually areable to locate and obtain another stable housing situation. In our County, 14% of homeless persons would fall into this category based on the most recent survey.
Episodic homelessness
 refers to circumstances in which persons have recurrent problems with housing.Often these persons have substance addictions, seasonal/minimum wage income orsporadic domestic situations that affect stable housing. In our County,approximately 20% of homeless persons would be episodic users of homelessservices.
Chronic Homelessness
is defined by HUD as a situation in which a single unaccompanied person has beenwithout a permanent residence for a period of more than one year or for more than4 times in the last 3 years and suffers from a disabling condition (usually substanceabuse or mental health issue) that is contributing to his/her homelessness.Approximately 23% of persons accessing homeless services in our County would beclassified as chronically homeless.(Note: One reason families are not considered for this designation is that if homelessfor anextended period of time, children may be considered at risk of neglect and takenunder the careof the IL Department of Children & Family Services [DCFS] until stable housing canbe obtained.)
In summary, the 2009 survey reported that in one week our County hashad approximately 495 homeless persons
,of which 238 were adults,257 were children,
of 00

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