> In the US, only the poorest of the poor don't have shelter, and even they mostly have food.

Me+kids spent a decade in hunger-level poverty while staying housed. We usually got basic living expenses covered and what was left over might buy a bag of white rice - but not always.

Our situation was far from uncommon.

13.5% is a small number?

http://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/ag-and-food-statistics...

That homesteader life