Homelessness on the Rise in Midwest Communities

Homelessness is a rising issue in various regions, as indicated by multiple point-in-time homeless counts. The Clay County Community Housing Access and Resource Team (CHART) is witnessing a local need for housing, with the organization receiving more referrals than anticipated since its launch. In Northern Iowa, the recent biannual Point-in-Time homeless census showed an increase in homeless numbers, while the number of individuals counted outside shelters decreased. Additionally, Merced County saw a decline in its homeless population in 2023, contrasting the trend of increasing homelessness in California and the United States. The homelessness crisis has prompted outreach organizations to conduct surveys and connect with unhoused individuals to address the pressing issue. However, local weather patterns are expected to remain mild.