Today, December 8, 2009, the U.S. Conference of Mayors released its annual "Homelessness and Hunger Survey," which provides a snapshot of hunger and homelessness in 27 cities across the country. (Authors)

Out of those 27 cities, 19 (76 percent) reported an increase in family homelessness over the past year, while 16 of the cities (64 percent) reported that homelessness among individuals decreased or remained level. The report finds that most of the cities reporting decreases in individual homelessness attribute that decline to ten year plans to end chronic homelessness. The most-cited reasons for increases in family homelessness were the recession and a lack of sufficient affordable housing. Interestingly, 18 of the 27 cities reported that HPRP will "fundamentally change" how they assist people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. More than half of the remaining cities have already made the changes that HPRP supports. The report is based on data collected between October 2008 and September 2009. Individual city profiles are also included in the report. (Authors)