Tracking Public Opinion on Family Homelessness. Chicagoans Support City Action to Combat Family Homelessness

Transcription

1 Tracking Public Opinion on Family Homelessness Chicagoans Support City Action to Combat Family Homelessness a Public Opinion Poll February 2011

2 Page B In collaboration with The Academy of Political Science and Baruch College School of Public Affairs.

3 Chicagoans Support City Action to Combat Family Homelessness Table of Contents 2 Executive Summary 3 Maps 3 Chicago community areas and poll regions 4 Demographics (poverty, education, employment) 5 Demographics (race) 6 Definitions of key terms used in the report 7 Introduction 7 The current policy environment in Chicago 8 State of homelessness and poverty in Chicago 9 Chicagoans touched by homelessness 9 Many Chicagoans are facing economic hardships 10 Homelessness is hitting close to home 11 Perceived risk of homelessness by race 12 Risk by region and homeownership status 15 Chicagoans beliefs on the state and causes of homelessness 16 Perceived causes of homelessness 17 Rating the city s job in addressing homelessness 19 Chicagoans support guaranteed shelter and housing policies 21 Backing prevention and government housing subsidies 22 A willingness to pay more for solutions 24 Perception of the homeless and policy support 24 Causes of homelessness and support for policy action 25 Knowing someone who became homeless and support for policy action 26 Picturing the homeless and support for policy action 27 Perception of a growing problem and support for policy action 28 Policy implications 29 Appendix ii Sample characteristics iv ICPH 2010 Poll of Chicago on Family Homelessness responses

4 Tracking Public Opinion on Family Homelessness List of Tables and Figures Figure 1 In the last 30 days, how often did you think about homelessness? 9 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 10 Table 1 Are you currently worried that you, or your family, might be at risk of becoming homeless? (by respondent type) Are you currently having trouble paying for basic living expenses? (by respondent type) In the last six months, has someone you know become homeless? In the last six months, have you housed someone at risk of homelessness? (by high exposure groups) If you housed someone in the last six months, did they have children who also stayed with you? Are you currently having trouble paying for basic living expenses? Are you currently worried that you, or your family, might be at risk of becoming homeless? (by race) In the last six months, has someone you know become homeless? In the last six months, have you housed someone at risk of homelessness? (by race) Are you currently having trouble paying for basic living expenses? Are you currently worried that you, or your family, might be at risk of becoming homeless? (by region) In the last six months, has someone you know become homeless? In the last six months, have you housed someone at risk of homelessness? (by region) Are you currently worried that you, or your family, might be at risk of becoming homeless? (by region) Responses to questions Are you currently having trouble paying for basic living expenses? and Are you currently worried that you might be at risk of becoming homeless? (delineated by demographic characteristics) Figure 11 In the last six months, the number of homeless people in Chicago has: 15 Figure 12 In the last six months, the number of homeless people in your neighborhood has: Figure 13 What do you think is the top cause of family homelessness? 16 Figure 14 Figure 15 Figure 16 What do you think is the top cause of family homelessness? (by education and income level) How would you rate the job city government is doing in helping those who are homeless? If you and your family became homeless, do you think the city government would help you out of your situation?

5 Chicagoans Support City Action to Combat Family Homelessness Figure 17 Should government guarantee shelter to every homeless person? 19 Figure 18 Figure 19 Figure 20 Figure 21 Figure 22 Table 2 Figure 23 Figure 24 Figure 25 Figure 26 Would you support a family homeless shelter located in your neighborhood? Would you support a family homeless shelter located in your neighborhood? (by household income) Would you support a city government program supplementing a family s rent to prevent them from becoming homeless? (by household income) Would you support a city government program that moves homeless families into apartments and pays their rent? (by household income) Would you or would you not support paying higher taxes to reduce homelessness in Chicago? (by region) Responses to questions Do you think the Chicago government should or should not guarantee shelter to every homeless person? and Do you think the Chicago government should or should not implement prevention programs for families at risk of homelessness? (delineated by demographic characteristics) Would you be willing to pay higher taxes to reduce homelessness in Chicago? (by beliefs about causes of homelessness) Would you support a city government program that moves homeless families into apartments and pays their rent? (by exposure to homelessness) Do you think the Chicago government should guarantee shelter to every homeless person? (by perception of homeless population) Would you support a city government program that moves homeless families into apartment and pays their rent? (by observed changes in neighborhood homelessness)

6 Page 2 Tracking Public Opinion on Family Homelessness Executive summary The Institute for Children, Poverty, and Homelessness, in collaboration with the Academy of Political Science and Baruch College School of Public Affairs, conducted a citywide random digit dialing telephone survey from August 8 through September 5, 2010 of more than 2,000 residents in Chicago in order to gauge the public s views toward family homelessness and support for policies to address it. Chicagoans touched by homelessness More than one-third of Chicagoans said they think about homelessness almost everyday. More than one-quarter of Chicagoans have trouble paying for basic living expenses, a percentage that increases dramatically among low-income families and the unemployed. Almost one in five Chicagoans perceive they are at risk of homelessness. A large number have been exposed to homelessness, which includes those who know someone who became homeless recently or have housed someone at risk of homelessness. Among those who housed someone at risk of homelessness, 38% sheltered families with children. Chicagoans beliefs on the state and causes of homelessness More than half of Chicagoans believe the number of homeless people in the city has increased in the last six months. However, fewer residents report seeing increases in homelessness in their own neighborhoods. Chicagoans attribute homelessness to economic causes, with a majority selecting unemployment as the top cause of family homelessness. Forty-two percent rated the city as doing a fair job in addressing homelessness; however, respondents assessments of the city varied based on their level of exposure to those who are homeless about half of those who had housed someone at risk of homelessness rated the city s job as poor. Chicagoans support guaranteed shelter and housing policies Although Chicago does not guarantee a legal right to shelter, the city maintains this in practice, ensuring that every family in need is placed into a bed. Nearly four out of every five residents support a guarantee. Chicagoans also are supportive of city government programs to prevent homelessness and to move homeless families into apartments. About half would be willing to pay higher taxes in order to help reduce homelessness. Perception of the homeless and policy support While respondents generally supported policy solutions to address homelessness, their levels of support varied depending on their perception of the homeless population. For instance, those who knew someone who had become homeless in the past six months were more supportive of guaranteed shelter. Policy implications Many Chicagoans are touched by homelessness, whether they feel vulnerable themselves, know someone who became homeless or have seen a greater number of homeless people in the city. Perhaps because many are affected by homelessness, Chicagoans show high levels of support for policies to help reduce family homelessness, with a majority even showing a willingness to pay higher taxes. These poll results offer insights on Chicagoans support for and sensitivities to policies that target those who are most vulnerable.

7 Chicagoans Support City Action to Combat Family Homelessness Page 3 Chicago Community Areas and Poll Regions O'HARE AIRPORT EDISON PARK NORWOOD PARK JEFFERSON PARK FOREST GLEN NORTH PARK ALBANY PARK WEST RIDGE LINCOLN SQUARE ROGERS PARK EDGEWATER UPTOWN NORTH SIDE DUNNING PORTAGE PARK IRVING PARK AVONDALE NORTH CENTER LAKE VIEW MONTCLARE BELMONT CRAGIN HERMOSA LOGAN SQUARE LINCOLN PARK LAKE MICHIGAN HUMBOLDT PARK WEST TOWN NEAR NORTH SIDE ZIP CODES WEST SIDE AUSTIN GARFIELD RIDGE CLEARING WEST EAST GARFIELD GARFIELD PARK PARK NORTH LAWNDALE SOUTH LAWNDALE ARCHER HEIGHTS WEST ELSDON WEST LAWN BRIGHTON PARK ASHBURN GAGE PARK CHICAGO LAWN MOUNT GREENWOOD NEAR WEST SIDE LOWER WEST SIDE BRIDGEPORT MCKINLEY PARK BEVERLY NEW CITY WEST ENGLEWOOD AUBURN GRESHAM MORGAN PARK ENGLEWOOD WASHINGTON HEIGHTS LOOP CHATHAM ROSELAND WEST PULLMAN NEAR SOUTH SIDE ARMOUR SQUARE DOUGLAS OAKLAND GRAND BOULEVARD KENWOOD FULLER PARK WASHINGTON PARK GREATER GRAND CROSSING DOWNTOWN HYDE PARK WOODLAWN BURNSIDE PULLMAN SOUTH SIDE SOUTH SHORE AVALON PARK CALUMET HEIGHTS SOUTH DEERING SOUTH CHICAGO EAST SIDE RIVERDALE HEGEWISCH Miles Regions are drawn based on zip code boundaries.

8 Page 4 Tracking Public Opinion on Family Homelessness Demographics (Poverty, Education, Employment) Percent in Poverty Percent without a High School Degree NORTH SIDE NORTH SIDE WEST SIDE DOWNTOWN WEST SIDE DOWNTOWN SOUTH SIDE SOUTH SIDE 5% 13% 4% 10% 13% 20% 10% 22% 20% 28% 20% 35% 28% 37% 35% 53% Percent Unemployed NORTH SIDE WEST SIDE DOWNTOWN SOUTH SIDE 3% 7% 7% 10% 10% 17% 17% 22% Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 3-Year Estimates.

9 Chicagoans Support City Action to Combat Family Homelessness Page 5 Demographics (Race) Percent White Percent Black NORTH SIDE NORTH SIDE WEST SIDE DOWNTOWN WEST SIDE DOWNTOWN SOUTH SIDE SOUTH SIDE 0% 15% 0% 15% 15% 25% 15% 30% 25% 50% 30% 60% 50% 80% 60% 98% Percent Hispanic NORTH SIDE WEST SIDE DOWNTOWN SOUTH SIDE 1% 10% 10% 25% 25% 40% 40% 82% Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 3-Year Estimates.

10 Page 6 Tracking Public Opinion on Family Homelessness Definitions of key terms used in the report Low-income households are defined as those earning $35,000 per year. Respondents reporting perceived risk are those who are worried that their family might be at risk of homelessness. Respondents reporting exposure to homelessness are those who either know someone who has become homeless or have housed someone at risk of homelessness in the last six months. The federal poverty level for a family of four in 2009 was $21,954. Households are defined as rent burdened if they spend more than 30% of their income on rent.

11 Chicagoans Support City Action to Combat Family Homelessness Page 7 Introduction In 2009, 14.3% of the U.S. population, or 43.6 million people, lived below the poverty line, an increase of more than one percentage point, or 3.8 million people, over In the Chicago region, an even greater proportion of residents were living in poverty in 2009, with 21.6% of the population, or 603,218 people, falling below the poverty line. 1 Today, a large number of Chicago residents are struggling with housing, food, and other basic needs, putting them at risk of homelessness. The Chicago Alliance to End Homelessness, the private nonprofit leading the work to end homelessness in the city, commissioned an independent evaluation of Chicago s official Plan to End Homelessness. The study is being conducted by Loyola University Chicago and the University of Chicago. The Plan was created by the Alliance with the endorsement of more than 200 stakeholders and service providers and the city government in Given that the city s approach currently is being evaluated, it is an ideal time to gauge public opinion on homelessness, as such an understanding can help to inform any determination about how homelessness is addressed moving forward. Past public opinion polls conducted in other cities and nationwide found that the public demonstrates high levels of support for increased funding and targeted policies to alleviate homelessness. 2 Many previous polls also found differences in the perceptions and beliefs about homelessness within subgroups, such as gender, race, and level of exposure to homeless individuals. The Institute for Children, Poverty, and Homelessness, in collaboration with the Academy of Political Science and the Baruch College School of Public Affairs, conducted a citywide random digit dialing telephone survey from August 8 through September 5, 2010 of more than 2,000 residents in Chicago in order to gauge the public s views toward family homelessness and support for policies to address it. Telephone interviews conducted by landline (1,617) and cell phone (404) were carried out in English and Spanish. The questionnaire used for this survey can be found in the Appendix. The margin of sampling error for the total sample is plus or minus 2% at the 95% confidence level. The current policy environment in Chicago The City of Chicago was among the first to develop a 10-year plan to end homelessness, now a widely adopted blueprint that emphasizes permanent housing and homelessness prevention efforts. The Plan is being implemented through a public-private partnership between the City of Chicago and the Chicago Alliance to End Homelessness. Since the city endorsed the plan in 2003, many transitional shelters have been gradually transformed into interim housing facilities. Chicago is shifting its focus from providing families with temporary shelter options to placing them in permanent supportive housing while also bolstering homelessness prevention efforts. The Plan has seen some successes in recent years, including a 10% decrease in the number of homeless people in shelters and on the streets in Chicago between 2007 and 2009, according to the most recent federally mandated point-in-time homeless count. 3 The next point-in-time count is scheduled for January 2011.

12 Page 8 Tracking Public Opinion on Family Homelessness State of homelessness and poverty in Chicago According to a 2010 U.S. Conference of Mayors survey, 13,561 homeless people resided in emergency shelter over the past year, and 19,827 lived in transitional housing. Furthermore, in December 2010, city officials estimated that 24% of homeless people in Chicago were employed. 4 The number of homeless people, however, is far higher when taking into account those who do not access the shelter system. The Chicago Coalition for the Homeless estimates that about 88,900 Chicagoans were homeless in Of this estimate, 28,345 were children, or 31.9% of the total. The Coalition estimate is higher than the city shelter count because it includes individuals who double up with relatives or friends and do not have a primary residence of their own. 6 Doubled-up individuals and families have not been considered homeless according to federal definitions, although they will be accounted for in future counts as definitions have changed to provide a fuller picture of the homelessness problem. A far greater number of low-income Chicagoans could be vulnerable to homelessness. The Chicago Food Bank in 2010 estimated nearly 678,000 people in Cook County relied on emergency and supplemental food sources the previous year, a 36% increase from the last estimate of 499,600 in In 2009, an estimated 53% of working single mothers in the Chicago area were rent distressed, or spending more than half of their income on housing. 8 In addition, 41% had moved at least once in the prior two years. Both a high rent burden and residential instability are risk factors for homelessness. Furthermore, Chicago, like many cities, has suffered from elevated unemployment rates in the past couple of years. In August 2010, the city s unemployment rate hovered at 9.8%, slightly above the national average. The high number of jobless individuals and financially stressed families is creating a heavier burden for social service providers in Chicago. A May 2009 city-sponsored survey of providers found reports of significant increases in requests for food assistance, public benefits, and rental assistance. 9 In the survey, 86% of providers reported an increase in families in financial crisis confirmation that families are having trouble meeting basic needs during the economic downturn. Providers also reported increases in evictions, foreclosures, and incidents of families doubling up in housing. Regional variation. Poverty, unemployment, and other social indicators discussed above vary greatly within the city. As a result, ICPH examined poll responses by geographic region, dividing respondents into groups based on their zip code. The four regions are: downtown, and the South, West and, North sides (See map Chicago Community Areas and Poll Regions). Neighborhoods that comprise the west and south regions have higher average poverty rates, at 31% and 23%, respectively, when compared with the North Side (15%) and downtown (18%). Average unemployment rates in recent years were at 14.3% and 13.3% in West and South side neighborhoods and at 6.3% in the North Side neighborhoods and downtown. 10 Furthermore, while 60.3% and 56.8% of West and South siders were rent burdened, just 47.1% and 44.9% of North Siders and downtown residents paid more than 30% of their income on rent. The regions are also racially and ethnically different, with higher proportions of minority populations living in the West and South side. The South Side is 61% black and the West Side is 56% black and 38% Hispanic; in comparison, the North Side is 62% white and downtown is 60% white (See map Demographics).

13 Chicagoans Support City Action to Combat Family Homelessness Page 9 Chicagoans touched by homelessness More than one-third of Chicagoans say they think about homelessness almost every day; nearly 85% think about homelessness at least once a month (Figure 1). A higher percentage of black respondents (40%) think about homelessness every day when compared with white (29%) and Asian (25%) respondents. Figure 1: In the last 30 days, how often did you think about homelessness? 34% Almost everyday 27% Once or twice a month 2% Not sure 15% Never 22% About once a week Many Chicagoans are facing economic hardships Almost one-fifth of Chicagoans perceive they are at risk of homelessness. Not surprisingly, those who are having trouble paying living expenses are far more worried about being at risk of homelessness, at nearly three times the rate of Chicagoans overall. Low-income families with children and those who are unemployed also perceive themselves to be at risk of homelessness at nearly three times the overall rate (Figure 2). Figure 2: Are you currently worried that you or your family might be at risk of becoming homeless? (by respondent type) 50% 46% 44% 43% 40% 30% 26% 20% 17% 10% 11% 0% Total Chicago Trouble paying expenses Low-income with children Unemployed Renters Homeowners

14 Page 10 Tracking Public Opinion on Family Homelessness More than one-quarter of Chicagoans have trouble paying for basic living expenses, a percentage that increases dramatically among certain sub-populations (Figure 3). Among those who perceive themselves at risk of homelessness and low-income households with children, for instance, two-thirds have trouble with basic expenses. More than half of those who are unemployed report having difficulties covering basic expenses. Figure 3: Are you currently having trouble paying for basic living expenses? (by respondent type) 75% 70% 67% 57% 50% 40% 25% 27% 17% 0% Total Chicago Perceived risk of homelessness Low-income with children Unemployed Renters Homeowners Homelessness is hitting close to home Almost one-quarter of Chicagoans know someone who became homeless in the last six months (Figure 4). Almost one-fifth housed someone who was at risk of becoming homeless; of these, 38% sheltered families with children (Figure 5). Figure 4: In the last six months, has someone you know become homeless? In the last six months, have you housed someone at risk of homelessness? (by high exposure groups) 40% 39% 36% 30% 29% 20% 22% 18% 22% 10% Know someone 0% Housed someone Total Chicago Low-income with children Unemployed

15 Chicagoans Support City Action to Combat Family Homelessness Page 11 Figure 5: If you housed someone in the last six months, did they have children who also stayed with you? 38% Homeless families with children 62% Homeless families/singles without children Perceived risk of homelessness by race Hispanics report having trouble paying basic expenses at far higher rates than whites and Asians. Also, Hispanics and blacks perceive themselves to be at risk of homelessness at higher rates and are more exposed to homelessness than whites and Asians (Figures 6 and 7). Figure 6: Are you currently having trouble paying for basic living expenses? Are you currently worried that you, or your family, might be at risk of becoming homeless? (by race) 50% 40% 42% 33% 30% 20% 10% 27% 17% 26% 22% 15% 10% 13% 8% Trouble paying expenses 0% Total Chicago Hispanic Black Asian White Perceived risk of homelessness Figure 7: In the last six months, has someone you know become homeless? In the last six months, have you housed someone at risk of homelessness? (by race) 40% 30% 20% 22% 18% 30% 24% 27% 21% 10% 0% Total Chicago Black Hispanic 10% 11% White 5% Asian 0% Know someone Housed someone

16 Page 12 Tracking Public Opinion on Family Homelessness Risk by region and homeownership status Those who live on the West and South sides of the city are more concerned about being at risk of homelessness and are having more trouble paying for basic living expenses. More than 40% of West Side residents report difficulty with expenses (Figure 8). Furthermore, about one-third of West Side residents know someone who became homeless in the last six months (Figure 9). (See map Chicago Community Areas and Poll Regions). Figure 8: Are you currently having trouble paying for basic living expenses? Are you worried that you, or your family, might be at risk of becoming homeless? (by region) 50% 40% 41% 30% 27% 28% 20% 17% 21% 21% 21% 13% 18% 10% 8% Trouble paying expenses 0% Perceived risk of homelessness Total Chicago West Side South Side North Side Downtown Figure 9: In the last six months, has someone you know become homeless? In the last six months, have you housed someone at risk of homelessness? (by region) 40% 33% 30% 20% 10% 22% 18% 25% 25% 19% 17% 11% 14% 15% Know someone 0% Housed someone Total Chicago West Side South Side Downtown North Side

17 Chicagoans Support City Action to Combat Family Homelessness Page 13 Rates of perceived risk of homelessness vary within regions depending on homeownership status. For instance, while almost one-third of renters on the South Side are worried they might be at risk of homelessness, just 15% of homeowners in that region express the same concern (Figure 10). In any of the four regions, neighborhoods with more renters may be at a greater risk than others. It must be noted that while responses were examined region by region according to homeownership, no single region of the city is homogenous in terms of homeownership rates. Ownership rates on the South Side, for instance, ranged from 32% on the east side of the region in the Grand Boulevard-Douglas-Kenwood neighborhoods to 85.2% on the southwest side of the region in the Ashburn-Beverly-Mount Greenwood neighborhoods. 11 Figure 10: Are you currently worried that you, or your family, might be at risk of becoming homeless? (by region) 50% 45% 40% 30% 36% 11% 15% 38% 14% 28% 20% 8% 20% 10% 25% 30% 24% 20% 20% 0% Total Chicago South Side West Side North Side Downtown Renters Homeowners The percentage of respondents having trouble paying basic living expenses or perceiving themselves to be at risk of homelessness differ significantly based on housing status, income level, race, city region, and employment status (Table 1).

18 Page 14 Tracking Public Opinion on Family Homelessness Table 1: Responses to questions: Are you currently having trouble paying for basic living expenses and Are you currently worried that you might be at risk of becoming homeless? (delineated by demographic characteristics) Profile of respondents Demographic characteristics Are you currently having trouble paying for basic living expenses? Are you currently worried about being at risk of homelessness? Yes (%) No (%) Yes (%) No (%) Housing status* Rent Own Income* Low income Non low income Race* White Black Hispanic Asian Other City region* Downtown North Side South Side West Side Employment status* Employed full time Employed part time Self-employed Full-time student Stay-at-home parent/ guardian/homemaker Unemployed Currently worried about being at risk of homelessness* Currently having trouble paying for basic living expenses* Yes NA NA No NA NA Yes NA NA No NA NA * Indicates statistically significant difference by demographic characteristic

19 Chicagoans Support City Action to Combat Family Homelessness Page 15 Chicagoans beliefs on the state and causes of homelessness City residents perceive an increase in homelessness citywide. In addition, they believe the top cause of family homelessness is unemployment and are lukewarm on the city s response to the issue. More than half of Chicagoans believe the number of homeless people in the city has increased in the last six months (Figure 11). The public s belief that the number of homeless people in Chicago increased in the last six months differs from the findings from the city s most recent point-in-time homeless count, which revealed a 47% decrease in Chicago s street homeless population, often the most visible group to the general public. Family homelessness, however, is not on the decline. According to the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, family homelessness in the city increased from 34,511 individuals in families in to 40,723 in Figure 11: In the last six months, the number of homeless people in Chicago has: 32% Stayed the same 55% Increased 2% Decreased 11% Not sure Low-income, unemployed, black, and Hispanic residents more often report seeing an increase in the number of homeless people citywide in the last six months; higher income, white, and Asian residents, meanwhile, more often report no change in the level of homelessness.

20 Page 16 Tracking Public Opinion on Family Homelessness In contrast to citywide perceptions, far fewer Chicagoans report seeing increases in homelessness in their own neighborhood. However, respondents in low-income families with children more often note increases in the number of homeless people in their neighborhood when compared to the overall sample; 38% of low-income families with children report an increase compared to 26% overall (Figure 12). Figure 12: In the last six months, the number of homeless people in your neighborhood has: 100% 80% 5% 5% 8% 4% 60% 61% 53% 40% 20% 0% Total Chicago 26% Low-income with children 38% Increased Stayed the same Decreased Not sure Perceived causes of homelessness A majority of Chicagoans believe unemployment is the top cause of family homelessness, a finding that remains steady regardless of race, income or employment status (Figure 13).Even so, when compared with high-income households, a greater proportion of low-income households attribute family homelessness to housing or rent costs, with 12% of low-income households selecting rent costs as the top cause versus only 5% of households earning more than $75,000; high-income residents selected poverty as the major cause of homelessness at higher rates than low-income residents, with 22% of high-income households selecting poverty versus 16% of low-income households. Figure 13: What do you think is the top cause of family homelessness? 20% Poverty 55% Unemployment 7% Housing or rent costs 5% Domestic violence 6% Not sure 7% All of the Above

21 Chicagoans Support City Action to Combat Family Homelessness Page 17 Education also appears to influence beliefs about the causes of homelessness. When examining respondents by education and income group, differences in responses are even starker than when examining respondents by income group alone. For instance, just 14% of low-income respondents ( $35K per year) with less than a high school diploma selected poverty as the main cause of homelessness compared to 26% of higher-income ( $75K per year) respondents with a bachelor s degree or higher (Figure 14). 12 Figure 14: What do you think is the top cause of family homelessness? (by education and income level) 100% 80% 60% 5% 19% 14% 4% 4% 26% 40% 20% 0% Income $35K High school diploma or less 53% Income $75K Bachelor s or more 54% Unemployment Poverty Rent costs Domestic violence Rating the city s job in addressing homelessness Forty-two percent of Chicagoans rate the city as doing a fair or good job in helping those who are homeless; however, nearly one-third gave the city a poor rating (Figure 15). Figure 15: How would you rate the job city government is doing in helping those who are homeless? 42% Fair 32% Poor 15% Not sure 11% Good

22 Page 18 Tracking Public Opinion on Family Homelessness Responses regarding the city s performance vary widely by region and income. Those living on the South and West sides of the city rate the city s job as poor at higher rates than those living in the downtown or North Side regions, with 36% and 35% of those on the South and West sides rating the city as poor versus 28% and 23% on the North Side and downtown. This variation could be attributed in part to differences in median income between regions, as the West and South sides have a higher number of low-income households (See maps Demographics). A higher proportion of low-income respondents rate the city s job of helping the homeless as poor when compared to high-income respondents, with 38% of low-income residents expressing dissatisfaction with the city s performance versus 28% of high-income respondents. Unemployed respondents and those with exposure to homelessness also rated the city s performance as poor at higher rates. Of the unemployed, 39% are dissatisfied with the city s job of helping the homeless. Among those who know someone who became homeless in the past six months, 43% rate the city s job as poor. Further, among those who had housed someone at risk of homelessness in the past six months, almost half rate the city s performance as poor compared with about one-third of respondents overall. Lastly, education also impacted assessments of city performance; those with higher education expressed less satisfaction. Among low-income respondents, for example, 40% of those with a high school diploma or associate s degree felt the city was doing a poor job of addressing homelessness versus 31% of those with less than a high school degree. Just one-third of Chicagoans believe the city would help them if they or their family became homeless (Figure 16). Figure 16: If you and your family became homeless, do you think the city government would help you out of your situation? 34% Would 51% Would not 15% Not sure

23 Chicagoans Support City Action to Combat Family Homelessness Page 19 Chicagoans support guaranteed shelter and housing policies The state of Massachusetts and New York City are the only jurisdictions nationwide to mandate a legal right to shelter for families. Although Chicago does not guarantee this as a right of law, the city maintains this in practice, ensuring that every family in need is placed into a bed. Nearly four out of every five residents support a guarantee (Figure 17). Chicagoans also are supportive of city government programs to prevent homelessness and to move homeless families into housing units. About half would be willing to pay higher taxes in order to help reduce homelessness. Low-income households support guaranteed shelter and rental assistance at higher rates than high-income households. Further, blacks and Hispanics support both policies at higher rates than whites and Asians. Income and racial differences, however, were less apparent when respondents were asked about support for prevention programs, which were strongly favored across the board. While household income is a major driver behind the level of support for various policies, race still has an independent effect, as high-income black respondents support guaranteed shelter and prevention and mitigation programs at higher rates than high-income whites. High-income blacks and whites support increased taxes at a similar rate, with approximately 56% in both groups answering in the affirmative. Figure 17: Should government guarantee shelter to every homeless person? 14% Should not 7% Not sure 79% Should Among those who perceive they are at risk of homelessness, 90% support guaranteed shelter. Those exposed to homelessness also support a guarantee at high rates, with 90% of those who know someone who became homeless and 87% of those who housed someone at risk of homelessness supporting the policy measure.

24 Page 20 Tracking Public Opinion on Family Homelessness It is noteworthy that more than two-thirds of respondents say they would also support a family homeless shelter in their neighborhood (Figure 18). Just one in ten respondents say they would oppose a shelter in their neighborhood. Figure 18: Would you support a family homeless shelter located in your neighborhood? 70% Support 17% Neutral 10% Oppose 3% Not sure Households earning more than $75,000 per year show less support for having a family shelter in their neighborhood than low-income households; although, support among households earning more than $75,000 per year is still at 60% (Figure 19). Residents living downtown are the least supportive of a homeless shelter in their neighborhood, with just over half (53%) showing support; in contrast, 78% of those living on the West Side say they would support a neighborhood shelter. The South and West sides, as noted above, have higher average poverty rates and a greater proportion of minority residents when compared with the North Side and downtown regions (See maps Demographics). Our findings also show greater acceptance for a neighborhood family homeless shelter among black and Hispanic and low-income respondents, which may help to explain the regional differences. Figure 19: Would you support a family homeless shelter located in your neighborhood? (by household income) 100% 86% 80% 70% 60% 60% 40% 20% 0% 17% 10% 3% Total Chicago 10% 4% 1% Low-income with children 23% Support 15% Oppose Neutral 2% Not sure Income $75K *Percent totals may exceed 100% because of rounding. Although ICPH s survey findings indicate that some variation exists between subgroups, support for a neighborhood shelter remains at high levels (> 50%) across populations, a finding that is consistent with past national and city-level surveys. 13

25 Chicagoans Support City Action to Combat Family Homelessness Page 21 Backing prevention and government housing subsidies Nearly nine out of 10 Chicagoans would support a city government program supplementing a family s rent to prevent them from becoming homeless (Figure 20). Virtually all, or 96%, of low-income households with children support a prevention program. Figure 20: Would you support a city government program supplementing a family s rent to prevent them from becoming homeless? (by household income) 100% 80% 87% 96% 82% 60% 40% 20% 0% 8% 5% 4% 0% 12% 6% Support Oppose Not sure Total Chicago Low-income with children Income $75K More than 92% of those who perceive they are at risk of homelessness are supportive of prevention efforts. Those with exposure to homelessness also show higher levels of support, with 93% of those who knew someone who became homeless and 90% of those who housed someone at risk of homelessness supporting prevention efforts. These findings are supported by past opinion polls, many of which show that individuals with the greatest exposure to homeless people are those who also express the most compassion. 14 Almost two-thirds (62%) of Chicagoans support a city government program that moves homeless families into apartments and pays their rents (Figure 21). Support for mitigation efforts varies by income level, with 77% of low-income households showing support for a rent program versus 54% of high-income households. Figure 21: Would you support a city government program that moves homeless families into apartments and pays their rent? (by household income) 100% 80% 84% 60% 62% 54% 40% 26% 35% 20% 0% 12% 12% 5% 11% Support Oppose Not sure Total Chicago Low-income with children Income 75K *Percent totals may exceed 100% because of rounding.

26 Page 22 Tracking Public Opinion on Family Homelessness Support for a mitigation program also varies widely by race, with 73% of blacks and 71% of Hispanics showing support versus 49% of whites and 37% of Asians. Those who have had exposure to homelessness also show more support when compared with the overall sample, with 79% of those who know someone who became homeless and 77% of those who housed someone at risk of homelessness favoring such a program. A willingness to pay more for solutions Just over half of Chicago residents would support paying higher taxes to help reduce homelessness, a finding that is consistent with past opinion polls. 15 Willingness to pay higher taxes did not vary greatly by income, race, employment status, or perceived risk of and exposure to homelessness. Responses vary slightly by region, with residents on the West Side showing less willingness to pay higher taxes than residents downtown; 46% of West Side residents are supportive of higher taxes versus 56% of those living downtown (Figure 22). 16 This sentiment may reflect the greater visibility of street homelessness in the downtown region. It could also be that those living in low-income neighborhoods have less ability to pay higher taxes. Figure 22: Would you or would you not support paying higher taxes to help reduce homelessness in Chicago? (by region) 60% 50% 40% 52% 41% 56% 34% 54% 39% 50% 43% 46% 46% 30% 20% 10% Support 0% Oppose Total Chicago Downtown South Side North Side West Side Support for guaranteed shelter and government policies to help the homeless varies significantly by the income level, race, and city region of respondents. Likewise, differences are also significant between those who perceive risk of homelessness and those who do not and between those who have been exposed to homelessness and those who have not (Table 2).

27 Chicagoans Support City Action to Combat Family Homelessness Page 23 Table 2: Responses to questions: Do you think the Chicago government should or should not guarantee shelter to every homeless person and Do you think the Chicago government should or should not implement prevention programs for families at risk of homelessness? (delineated by demographic characteristics) Profile of respondents Demographic characteristics Do you think the Chicago government should or should not guarantee shelter to every homeless person? Do you think the Chicago government should or should not implement prevention programs for families at risk of homelessness? Yes (%) No (%) Yes (%) No (%) Housing status* Rent Own Income* Low income Non low income Race* White Black Hispanic Asian Other City region* Downtown North Side South Side West Side Employment status* Employed full time Employed part time Self-employed Full-time student Stay-at-home parent/ guardian/homemaker Unemployed Currently worried about being at risk of homelessness* Currently having trouble paying for basic living expenses* Yes No Yes No * Indicates statistically significant difference by demographic characteristic

28 Page 24 Tracking Public Opinion on Family Homelessness Perception of the homeless and policy support Respondents demonstrate varying levels of support for policy solutions to address homelessness depending on their perception of the homeless population. Questions gauging perception included: Who do you picture when you think of homeless people? What do you believe is the top cause of homelessness? Do you believe homelessness has increased in your neighborhood? And, have you known someone who became homeless in the past six months? Causes of homelessness and support for policy action Respondents who believe poverty is the most prevalent cause of homelessness show the most support for increasing taxes in order to reduce homelessness. Those who believe housing and rent costs are the main cause show the most support for guaranteeing shelter. In contrast, those who listed domestic violence as the top cause of homelessness show the least support for both policies. Fifty-eight percent of those who believe poverty is the major cause of homelessness show support for higher taxes to reduce homelessness. Among those who believe domestic violence is the top cause of homelessness, only 40% are willing to pay higher taxes (Figure 23). 17 Additionally, those who believe domestic violence is the top cause show less support for guaranteed shelter (62%) when compared with the overall sample (79%). Among those who believe the cost of housing/rent is the top cause of homelessness, 87% support guaranteed shelter. Figure 23: Would you be willing to pay higher taxes to reduce homelessness in Chicago? (by beliefs about causes of homelessness) 60% 50% 40% 52% 41% 58% 37% 55% 37% 52% 42% 40% 57% 30% 20% 10% Higher taxes Yes 0% Higher taxes No Total Poverty Housing/ Rent costs Unemployment Domestic violence

29 Chicagoans Support City Action to Combat Family Homelessness Page 25 Although the survey is limited in its ability to explain responses, these findings are consistent with outcomes of previous public opinion polls. Past public opinion polls have found that people who believe in structural causes of homelessness (e.g., lack of affordable housing or unemployment) are more supportive of proposals such as increased taxes and additional housing for the homeless. 18 Those who believe in personal causes (e.g., mental illness or substance abuse) tend to be less supportive. Although difficult to categorize, domestic violence often is considered a personal cause, which may explain the lower rates of support. 19 Knowing someone who became homeless and support for policy action Respondents who know someone who became homeless in the last six months are more supportive of policies to help the homeless. Almost 80% of respondents who know someone who became homeless in the last six months would support a program to move families into apartments (Figure 24). 20 In contrast, just about 60% of those who did not know someone would support such a program. Figure 24: Would you support a city government that moves homeless families into apartments and pays their rent? (by exposure to homelessness) 80% 79% 70% 60% 50% 62% 57% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Total 26% 13% Know someone 29% Did not know someone Rent program Yes Rent program No Additionally, those who know someone show far more support (90%) for guaranteed shelter when compared with those who do not know someone (76%). Past research has established a positive relationship between exposure to homelessness and compassion toward homeless people those who know someone may be better able to empathize and, thus, be more supportive of options to help. 21

30 Page 26 Tracking Public Opinion on Family Homelessness Picturing the homeless and support for policy action When asked which group came to mind when picturing the homeless, those who respond families with children are more supportive of a mitigation policy and guaranteed shelter than those who thought of single adults. Among those who think of families with children, 87% support guaranteed shelter (Figure 25). 22 Among those who think of single adults, 75% support guaranteed shelter. Although this level of support is still high, it is 12 percentage points lower than the families with children response group. Also, fewer respondents in the single adults response group (56%) support a city government program that moves families into apartments and pays their rents when compared with respondents in the families with children group (73%). Figure 25: Do you think the Chicago government should guarantee shelter to every homeless person? (by perception of homeless population) 90% 80% 79% 87% 75% 79% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 14% 8% 17% 14% Guarantee shelter Yes 0% Guarantee shelter No Total Families with children Single adults Both Interestingly, those who know someone who became homeless in the past six months more often pictured families with children when thinking about the homeless when compared to those that did not know someone. Also, men pictured single adults when thinking about the homeless at higher rates than did women.

31 Chicagoans Support City Action to Combat Family Homelessness Page 27 Perception of a growing problem and support for policy action Perhaps not surprisingly, those who saw an increase in homelessness in their neighborhood in the past six months were more supportive of a mitigation policy and guaranteed shelter than those who thought the number of homeless people in their neighborhood stayed the same. Among those who saw an increase in homelessness, 87% support guaranteed shelter; among those who said the number of homeless people in their neighborhood stayed the same, 76% support a guarantee. Those who noted an increase in the number of homeless people in their neighborhood also show more support for a city government program that moves families into apartments (71%) when compared with those who thought the homeless population in their neighborhood stayed the same (60%) (Figure 26). 23 Figure 26: Would you support a program that moves homeless families into apartments and pays their rent? (by observed changes in neighborhood homelessness) 80% 70% 60% 62% 71% 60% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 26% 19% 35% 28% 10% Rent program Yes 0% Total Increase in homelessness Decrease in homelessness Stayed the same Rent program No

32 Page 28 Tracking Public Opinion on Family Homelessness Policy implications Clearly, many Chicagoans are touched by homelessness, whether they feel vulnerable themselves, know someone who became homeless or have seen a greater number of homeless people in the city. Some groups, however, have been impacted by homelessness to a greater degree. Low-income families with children and unemployed residents are feeling particularly vulnerable, with high numbers of both groups feeling at risk of becoming homeless. Given elevated unemployment rates and a poor economy, joblessness is likely on the minds of many city residents; it follows that more than half believe unemployment is the top cause of homelessness. Residents on the West and South sides chose unemployment as the top cause of homelessness at even higher rates than the sample overall. Unemployment rates on the city s West and South sides were recently highlighted as among the worst in the nation, which may help to explain these findings. 24 Clearly, Chicagoans recognize that homelessness is an economic problem and not simply caused by a lack of housing. Perhaps because many are affected by homelessness, Chicagoans show high levels of support for policies to help reduce family homelessness, with a majority even showing a willingness to pay higher taxes. Although the city does not currently guarantee shelter to homeless families, almost 80% said they would support such a guarantee. Respondents also show support for homeless prevention and mitigation programs. While they were supportive of city policies, however, Chicagoans show very little faith in the city s ability to help them if they became homeless. Also noteworthy are the findings that those who believe poverty and rents costs are top causes of homelessness are more supportive of increased taxes and guaranteed shelter, respectively, while those who select domestic violence as the top cause of homelessness are less supportive of both policies. A 2004 study of homeless women in the Chicago shelter system found that for 22% of those interviewed, domestic violence was the immediate cause of homelessness. 25 Shelters provide a safe haven for families escaping violent living situations. A greater public awareness about domestic violence and its effects on families may help to dispel the notion that domestic violence is simply a private family matter and thus bring about more understanding about the range of families in need of shelter. The city government has been given high marks for its political will to address homelessness. 26 These poll findings suggest that city leaders also could expect the continued support of Chicago residents in addressing family homelessness.