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Gender Women account for an estimated 45% of the total adult homeless population at any given time (Table 6). Women make up the majority of the homeless population in Mid, South and East County, while men are the majority in North County cities. Self-Defined Disability Sixty —eight percent of the population reported having a disability. Thirty -eight percent of the population reported alcohol or drug abuse and 24% reported that they suffered from severe mental illness. Persons Living With HIV /AIDS Estimating the number of homeless people with HIV or AIDS is very difficult, since many people are unaware or prefer not to reveal their HIV status. The National Commission on AIDS estimates that the rate of HIV infection among homeless people is estimated at 15 -25% of the total homeless adult population. In the homeless survey 1% self identified as HIV positive. Violence and Victimization Violence from either outside or inside the family appears to affect about 15% of the homeless. Twenty -two percent report being victimized physically or sexually by a non family member in the past twelve months. The prevalence of within family victimization or threats of violence happened to 18% of the Alameda County homeless population. Veterans Fifteen percent of Alameda County's homeless adults reported having served in the United States military. Based on reported discharge information, virtually all of the homeless veterans are eligible for services provided by the Veterans Administration. Only 11% of those reporting a U.S. military service history also reported a Veteran's Administration cash benefit or pension. Resources and Gaps in the Continuum in Alameda County The goal of the EveryOne Home Plan is to provide a coordinated and comprehensive system of housing and supportive services to prevent and reduce homelessness. Systems, including programs that have historically been difficult for homeless people to access, must be coordinated at every level and resources allocated to ensure that services and housing, along the entire continuum, are available and are appropriate for the population that needs them. Efforts to promote awareness of the issue of homelessness and improve public perceptions of homeless and affordable housing projects will help reduce impediments and create an environment where program success is enhanced. Outreach and Emergency Response Emergency services are the first point of entry for most homeless people. Some will make their first contract directly with an emergency shelter; others will utilize food services, referrals or drop -in Strategic Plan FY2010 FY2014 City of Pleasanton Page 24