Homelessness
Goal: Residents in Saginaw County will have access to educational programs and supports to reduce homeless, causes of homelessness, and increase access to sage and permanent housing.
Measure
The number, characteristics, and reasons as to why persons become homeless (2011-2012).
Why This Indicator is Important
Poor persons frequently cannot afford all the necessities required when complex financial circumstances arise. In the choice between basic needs such as childcare and clothing, food, and shelter when financial crisis occurs, housing is often the resource that is dropped because of its high absorption of income. A lack of affordable housing and minimal assistance programs often can contribute to homelessness, particularly in times of high unemployment. With increased poverty, specifically for African-Americans and children under 18 homelessness impacts segments of the population disproportionally.
How Are We Doing?
Data for 2011 and 2012 measure homelessness for those who are sheltered and unsheltered in Saginaw County and Michigan, which are very similar. Homelessness in Saginaw increased by just over 10 persons, with about 20% (77 persons) of the homeless population being unsheltered.
In Michigan the homeless population rate decreased by about 500 (about the same percentage as Saginaw County's increase) persons, with about 18% being unsheltered. The summary of homeless persons (2011-2012) shows some important trends, such as a decrease in the chronically homeless, substance abuse homeless, and unaccompanied youth homeless populations in Saginaw County and Michigan; there have been significant increases in the homeless populations of the severely mentally ill (40% in Saginaw and 4% in the state), veterans (60% in Saginaw County and 20% statewide), victims of domestic violence continue (50% in Saginaw and 12% statewide).
In Michigan the homeless population rate decreased by about 500 (about the same percentage as Saginaw County's increase) persons, with about 18% being unsheltered. The summary of homeless persons (2011-2012) shows some important trends, such as a decrease in the chronically homeless, substance abuse homeless, and unaccompanied youth homeless populations in Saginaw County and Michigan; there have been significant increases in the homeless populations of the severely mentally ill (40% in Saginaw and 4% in the state), veterans (60% in Saginaw County and 20% statewide), victims of domestic violence continue (50% in Saginaw and 12% statewide).
How Can You Have An Impact?
- Focus on community building strategies that address societal factors and systematic problems.
- Work to increase affordable housing in the area.
- Provide support services and emergency relief to those in need.
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