SAINTS ALIVE! FEBRUARY 22: ST. MARGARET OF CORTONA,
PATRON SAINT OF HOMELESS PEOPLE

As a young woman, Margaret led a life of pleasure and debauchery. She eventually repented at the age of 27 and in 1277, joined the Third Order of Saint Francis. She chose to live in poverty. She pursued a life of prayer and penance at Cortona, and there established a hospital for the sick, homeless and impoverished.
 
St. Margaret of Cortona is the patroness of homeless people.
 
The Catholic bishops believe decent, safe, and affordable housing is a human right.
 
“As Americans and believers, we are haunted by the tragic reality of so many without decent housing in our land. It is a sign of serious social neglect and moral failure. We ask everyone to join in a sustained and urgent effort to find creative and effective responses to this national tragedy. A great and good nation cannot turn away as people wander our streets looking for a decent home.” US Bishops Statement on Homelessness
 
Estimates of Homelessness in Oregon, 2016 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
 
13,238  Total Homeless (a person who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence)
 
9,379    Individuals
 
49        Rank of Oregon among states in rate of unsheltered individuals (at 61%)
 
21,340  Homeless students (students living doubled up with friends or relatives for economic reasons, living in substandard housing, or living in shelters or on the streets) (Ore Dept. of Education)
 
1,175    Unaccompanied youth
 
47        Rank of Oregon among states in number of unaccompanied homeless youth who were under the age of 18 (at 64%)
 
3,859    People in families with children
 
50        Rank of Oregon among states in rate of unsheltered people in families with children (at 59%)
 
1,341    Veterans
 
47        Rank of Oregon among states in rate of unsheltered veterans (at 55%)
 
3,077    Chronically homeless individuals
 
48        Rank of Oregon among states in rate of population experiencing homelessness as individuals with chronic patterns of homelessness (at 33%)
 
46        Rank of Oregon among states in rate of unsheltered individuals with chronic patterns of homelessness (at 84%)
 
-32.1    Percentage decrease since 2010 (11^th best among states)