South Dakota Reports Record High 1,431 Homeless Individuals

The annual Point-in-Time homeless count in South Dakota revealed a record high of 1,431 individuals experiencing homelessness, an increase from 1,338 the previous year. This count, conducted on January 28 by the South Dakota Housing for the Homeless Consortium, showed that 363 individuals were unsheltered, highlighting a concerning rise in this demographic. Notably, 38% of the adults counted were experiencing homelessness for the first time, while the number of veterans also saw a slight increase. The count faced limitations due to its reliance on partner participation, which may affect accuracy, especially in rural areas. Similar trends of rising homelessness were noted in other regions, including Central Florida and Clark County, Washington, indicating a broader challenge across the nation. The complexities of accurately measuring homelessness continue to pose significant challenges for local officials and service providers.