At Tri-CAP, we’re dedicated to helping those in need across Benton, Sherburne, and Stearns Counties. To better support our community, we look at studies like the 2023 Minnesota Homeless Study, which gives us important insights into homelessness.
On October 26, 2023, Wilder Research conducted a statewide study to understand homelessness better. They counted and interviewed people experiencing homelessness, both in shelters and those without a place to stay. 2023 Homelessness in the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota | Wilder Foundation
Here’s What the Study Found:
· Statewide Numbers: On that one night, 10,522 people were homeless in Minnesota. This is a 7% decrease from the previous study in 2018. However, this drop doesn’t fully capture the ups and downs caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and temporary boosts in housing assistance.
· Age Trends: Fewer children and youth are experiencing homelessness now. The number of children in homeless families went down by 19%, and homeless youth (age 24 and younger) decreased by 17%. On the other hand, there was a 7% increase in older adults (age 55+) facing homelessness.
· Families vs. Singles: Families with children make up nearly half of the homeless population in Minnesota, which is 47% of the total.
· Sheltered vs. Unsheltered: About 33% of those experiencing homelessness weren’t in formal shelters. This highlights a big need for more outreach and support, especially in places with fewer shelter options.
These findings help us at Tri-CAP understand the challenges people face and improve how we support them. We’re committed to using this information to better assist those in our community.
At Tri-CAP, we are focused on making a positive impact and building a stronger community. For more details on our programs or to get involved, visit our website or contact us directly.
Together, we can make a real difference in our community.
