State Study: Homeless Population Dips
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA new study from the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority shows the state’s homeless population has dropped. The 2017 Balance of State Point-in-Time Homeless Count shows a 14 percent decrease in the overall homeless population and a 29 percent drop in chronic homelessness.
The number of homeless veterans fell 55 percent.
IHCDA Executive Director Jacob Sipe calls the numbers "encouraging," but says there more work to be done. "With the passage of Senate Bill 242, and our continued partnership with FSSA and other organizations throughout the state, we can further address the crisis and uncertainty faced by individuals and families who find themselves without a home."
The state credits the dip to boosting initiatives like Rapid Rehousing programs and the Housing First initiative, which focuses on connecting to permanent housing options more quickly, as opposed to transitional housing. The Balance of State homeless population is made up of all Indiana counties except Marion and St. Joseph.
Chronically homeless families rose from seven in 2016 to 10 in 2017. The Point-in-Time Homeless Count is required for any county receiving support from the U.S. Department for Housing and Urban Development. It took place January 25, 2017.
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