Hunger and homelessness stalk U.S. cities

Cities most frequently cited increasing demand and decreasing resources, particularly related to federal and state budget problems, as the biggest challenge to addressing hunger in the coming year, Bellamy said.

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"This year's survey makes it clear that even working families are increasingly at risk for hunger and homelessness as a result of the crippled economy and rising unemployment. As mayors, it is our responsibility to create effective local programs and strengthen federal partnerships to help those in need," said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

Los Angeles was the largest city surveyed. Among the other cities surveyed, Chicago, Phoenix, Philadelphia, San Antonio, Dallas, San Francisco, Boston and Denver are among the 25 most populated in the nation. Only two of the cities surveyed - Gastonia, NC and Trenton, NJ - have populations under 100,000.

According to the survey, for families, unemployment was the leading cause of homelessness, while for individuals, it was the lack of affordable housing.

Across the surveyed cities, an average of 27 percent of homeless persons needing assistance did not receive it because of a lack of resources, the mayors found.

At a time when a noted financial analyst, Meredith Whitney, is predicting that as many as 100 U.S. cities face default on their municipal bonds, the mayors conference is calling for federal help, as well as assistance from the private sector, to deal with immediate social problems.

"Although the report surveys 27 cities, it mirrors what is happening nationally," said Burnsville, MN Mayor Elizabeth Kautz, who is the USCM president. "At a time when the poverty rate is at a record high, and in many cities unemployment is in double-digits, mayors cannot handle these challenges alone. We need all levels of government, as well as the private sector, to partner with us to assist growing numbers in our communities."

U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan pointed to positive trends in the survey.

Not only does the survey "show that homelessness is ticking back up in the wake of the economic crisis--echoing data we've seen about the increase in family homelessness--it also reveals how communities are using new tools like the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program--or "HPRP"--to meet that increased need," Donovan said.

Launched in early 2009 as part of President Obama's Recovery Act, "HPRP has prevented or ended homelessness for more than three quarters of a million people," Donovan said.