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![image: [ Homelessness in Los Angeles: on the increase ]](/olmedia/images/_39588_losangeleshomeless.JPG)
Hunger and homelessness are on the rise, according to figures from this year's report from the annual survey of 29 American cities carried out by the US Conference of Mayors.
The number of homeless people looking for shelter went up by three per cent in 1997 in most of the nation's big cities.
Most of those in need are families with children.
The highest figures are for the increase in demand for emergency food - up 16% on last year - the sharpest rise since 1992.
More than of those in need are families whose problems stem from low pay and from the food aid cuts contained in last year's welfare reform law.
![[ image: width=150]](/olmedia/images/_39588_miamihomeless.JPG)
Poorly paid jobs do not cover health insurance and other essential benefits.
Mayors from many cities reported difficulties in coping with the growing demand for emergency food supplies and the increase in numbers of people trying to get into homeless shelters.
Nearly a fifth of those seeking food aid and 27% of those seeking shelter were turned away because of a lack of resources.
The figures are in stark contrast to the rosy picture painted by record low unemployment and inflation rates that suggest a booming US economy.
City officials say the boom does not improve living standards of those on low incomes and warn that the problems of homelessness and hunger are only likely to worsen as the impact of welfare reform deepens.
Only one city saw improvements in the housing situation. Officials in Charleston, Carolina, reported a 23% reduction in shelter demand by single adults. This was attributed to the services available for homeless people in the city.
Homeless In America
Myths About the Homeless
North American Street Newspaper Association
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