Homelessness Rates Down

For the first time in 30 years homelessness is declining in the Unites States. Between 2005 and 2008 the number of overall homeless people has fallen by 12 percent. According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the overall number of homeless comes to approximately 672,000. 

This major accomplishment has to do with more government programs that offer homeless people long-term housing, opposed to spots in homeless shelters, half-way homes, and jails. In additional to long-term housing, case workers are able to provide more in-depth services, like drug counseling. These programs are called "housing first" programs and have been proven effective nationwide. 

(Originally reported by the Christian Science Monitor.)