SDHHC Announces 2016 Statewide Homeless Count Results
PIERRE, S.D. – (RealEstateRama) — The 2016 Statewide Point-in-Time Homeless Count that was conducted on Jan. 26, 2016, revealed that 1,186 individuals were homeless in South Dakota. This number represents a 14 percent increase from the 2015 count of 1,036 individuals.
59 percent were adults over the age of 24; 29 percent were children under 18; 10 percent were adults 18 to 24 years of age; and 2 percent were counted but not surveyed for further information. 72 percent were sheltered on the night of the count, either in emergency shelter, transitional housing or motels being paid for by a non-profit. 15 percent were unsheltered on the night of the count. Unsheltered includes the street, vehicles or places not meant for human habitation. 13 percent were counted but not surveyed for further information.
The data further indicates the following:
- In 2016, 106 persons were veterans compared to 176 in 2015, a decrease of 40%
- In 2016, 339 persons were children compared to 266 in 2015, an increase of 27%
- Of the 339 children, 43 were unsheltered on the night of the count.
- Of the total 1,186 persons who were homeless, 458 were female and 684 were male. (44 additional individuals were counted but not surveyed for further information)
The Point in Time Homeless Count was conducted by the South Dakota Housing for the Homeless Consortium (SDHHC) in collaboration with community agencies and homeless service providers. The statewide, one-day count was a snapshot of people experiencing homelessness, with 29 counties participating in the count.
SDHHC is a statewide organization created to address homelessness in our state. Individuals or organizations interested in learning more about SDHHC or the homeless count are encouraged to visit the websitewww.housingforthehomeless.org and attend the 11th Annual Homeless Summit being held June 21 – 22, 2016, in Oacoma.
Detailed information can be found at www.housingforthehomeless.org.
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The South Dakota Housing for the Homeless Consortium was created in 2001 to help unify the people who provide services to the homeless. Throughout the years the Consortium has identified gaps and created programs and services that make it easier for people to make it on their own. Since its initiation, the Consortium has received federal funding totaling around $18.4 million to provide development, operations and supportive services to a variety of homeless programs across the state.
Mark Lauseng, Executive Director, 605-773-3181
