Minnesota homelessness facts

Last update: December 24, 2008 - 10:14 AM

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• Call 612-874-0311 or go to www.ststephensmpls.org, click on "Human Services," then "Donate." The most urgent clothing needs now are warm winter coats, gloves and thick socks. The shelter is at 2211 Clinton Av. S. in Minneapolis.

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As the economy worsens, low-income people are the hardest hit, leading more to become homeless, says Cathy ten Broeke, director of Project Homeless Connect in Minneapolis. She predicts a slight increase in single adults seeking shelter, with joblessness the primary contributing factor. The big increase in the past year has been families, she said, with 25 percent higher occupancy at Hennepin County family shelters. Anecdotal data gathered by Wilder researcher Craig Helmstetter also indicates a rise in homeless families. On average in 2007, 211 families were served by county-funded shelters each month. This year that figure is up to 286.

Number of homeless people in Minnesota: On any given night, about 9,200, most in Hennepin and Ramsey counties.

Increase in mental illness: 52 percent of homeless reported having mental illness, up from 20 percent in 1994.

Increase in ex-cons: The number of homeless who have been incarcerated was 47 percent, up from 28 percent 10 years ago.

Decrease in newcomers: Nearly 60 percent of homeless adults have lived in Minnesota for more than 10 years.

Veterans: About 25 percent of the state's homeless are vets.

Racial disparity: 54 percent are black, American Indian or Hispanic (who in total make up less than 10 percent of the state's population).

Youth: 38 percent are age 17 or younger.

Source: 2006 report by the St. Paul-based Wilder Foundation, which publishes an update every three years.

Web Resources

• www.wilder.org/research

• www.headinghomehennepin.org (Project Homeless Connect)

KRISTIN TILLOTSON

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