Myth: People are homeless because they don’t want to work

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Fact: According to a survey conducted by the Homeless Alliance in 2008, 11.4% of homeless individuals residing in emergency shelter, transitional housing, or permanent, supportive housing have a full or part-time job. 19.7% of low-income and/or homeless individuals accessing services from various providers such as food pantries have a full or part-time job.

Another 4% were in an educational or training program. While many still lack employment, those who are employed cannot afford housing with their wages. The average affordable rent for a median wage family in Erie County is $457, which is almost $247 lower than the fair market rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in the greater Buffalo area ($704). Many must decide between paying for food or paying for housing and remain one emergency away from homelessness. The National Low Income Housing Coalition identifies an hourly wage of $13.54 as necessary to afford a 2-bedroom apartment in Buffalo, yet the average hourly wage locally is $9.91.

Additionally, 42% of homeless and very low-income individuals surveyed by the Homeless Alliance stated that they had to turn down a job in the previous 6 months because there was not a transportation route (metro rail, bus line, etc.) to get there.