Myth: Only adults are homeless.

Fact: 1 in 50 children are homeless (as per the report, by the National Center on Family Homelessness) . In Philadelphia, children in families constitute approximately a third of the shelter population on any given night. In 2009, 63.4% of individuals who resided at Jane Addams were children under the age of 18.

Myth: All homeless people are mentally ill and/or heavy drug and alcohol users

Fact: Research suggests that only 25% of all homeless individuals use drugs
and alcohol.

Myth: Those who are homeless are only in urban areas.

Fact: Homeless individuals and families are found in small towns, rural areas
and wealthy suburbs.

Myth: Homeless children do not attend school.

Fact: Approximately 88% of homeless children are enrolled in school.

Myth: Homeless individuals are uneducated and unemployable.

Fact: Many homeless persons have completed high school and some have completed
college and even graduate school.