PURPOSE STATEMENT

The main objective of this report is to educate lawmakers, advocates, and the general public about the problem of hate crimes and violence against homeless people in order to instigate change and ensure protection of civil rights for everyone, regardless of their economic circumstances or housing status.  As part of their missions, the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) and the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty (NLCHP) are committed to creating the systemic and attitudinal changes necessary to end homelessness. A major component of these changes must include the societal guarantee of safety and protection and a commitment by lawmakers to combat the hate crimes and violent acts against people who experience homelessness.

METHODOLOGY

The data on violent acts committed against homeless individuals in this report was gathered from a variety of sources.  A number of narratives were derived from published news reports (nationally and locally).  Information was also provided by advocates across the country dedicated to raising awareness about violence against homeless individuals.   Lastly, this report relied on the voices of homeless individuals, and formerly homeless individuals, in self-reporting incidents they experienced first hand.   

Upon receipt of each incident, a rigorous fact checking process was completed to evaluate and verify accuracy.  This process entailed multiple follow-ups with those closely involved with the incident.  Cross comparisons were also made with other news sources reporting the incident.   

While we could not always identify the motive for each attack based on our sources of information, some of these attacks were perpetrated due to a bias against the victim because of his or her homeless status.  Other attacks may have been perpetrated merely because the homeless person was in a vulnerable position to be attacked, due to the nature of homelessness.  Only attacks committed by housed individuals towards homeless individuals were evaluated.  Crimes committed by homeless individuals towards other homeless individuals were excluded from this report. 

While NCH and NLCHP have made every effort to verify the facts regarding each incident used in our report, new information about cases sometimes becomes available after publication.  NCH and NLCHP comprehensively researches and reviews all included data. As new, additional evidence emerges about the classification of prior, new or previously unknown cases, it is the policy of NCH and NLCHP to adjust our tabulations accordingly.

THE REPORTS

Over the past nine years (1999-2007), homeless advocates/direct service providers from around the country have seen an alarming, nationwide sustained increase in reports of homeless men, women and even children being killed, beaten, and harassed. In response to these concerns, the National Coalition for the Homeless has produced eight reports documenting these acts.  The National Coalition for the Homeless has collaborated with the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty on this ninth report documenting hate crimes and violence against homeless individuals in 2007.

1999:   No More Homeless Deaths! Hate Crimes: A Report Documenting Violence Against Men and Women Homeless in the U.S. 

2000:   A Report of Hate Crimes and Violence Against People Who Are Homeless in the United States in 2000

2001:   Hate. A Compilation of Violent Crimes Committed Against Homeless People in the U.S. in 2001

2002:   Hate, Violence, and Death on Main Street USA: A Report on Hate Crimes and Violence Against People Experiencing Homelessness in 1999-2002

2003:   Hate, Violence, and Death on Main Street USA: A Report on Hate Crimes and Violence Against People Experiencing Homelessness in 2003        

2004:   Hate, Violence, and Death on Main Street USA: A Report on Hate Crimes and Violence Against People Experiencing Homelessness 2004                                                                           

2005:   Hate, Violence, and Death on Main Street USA: A Report on Hate Crimes and Violence Against People Experiencing Homelessness in 2005

2006:   Hate, Violence, and Death on Main Street USA: A Report on Hate Crimes and Violence Against People Experiencing Homelessness 2006

2007:  Hate, Violence, and Death on Main Street USA: A Report on Hate Crimes and Violence Against People Experiencing Homelessness 2007

This latest report continues to maintain the same goals and objectives as the previous ones:  

1.     To compile the incidents of hate crimes and violence that NCH and NLCHP have received and reviewed in order to document this alarming trend against people who experience homelessness.

2.     To raise awareness among lawmakers and the general public about this serious issue.

3.     To recommend proactive measures to be taken.