|
Spike in Street Homelessness |
|
Cincinnati is seeing a spike in people experiencing unsheltered homelessness. In fact, there was a 46% increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness who slept outside in the Cincinnati area, from 2022 to 2023 (from 752 individuals to 1,100). Sleeping unsheltered is dangerous, even deadly, and in many parts of the country, criminal. Is it a crime to sleep outside – with a blanket – when shelter is unavailable? That’s the case making its way to the Supreme Court, right now. We agree with many of our partners across the country – being homeless is not a crime. Here, the overall number of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness and/or living in a shelter increased about 2% in 2023 over the previous year. Over the past decade, we have, however, seen an overall decline in the number of people experiencing the trauma of homelessness in our city: from 7,306 people in 2013 to 6,142 last year. If the problem is homelessness, the solution is affordable housing. One cost-effective solution is to help make sure people can stay in housing they already occupy (Eviction Prevention), and another is to help people who are unstably housed with family and friends to obtain their own housing before they become literally homeless (Shelter Diversion). Prevention is always preferable to spare families the trauma of homelessness. That’s why we’re laser-focused on using new inventive ways to intervene before a family loses their housing. And we know that for those on the street, when housing is available “Housing First” is critical. In the past homeless services programs required individuals to undergo treatment before being placed into a home. But people who are stably housed are more likely to be successful at addressing other issues like chemical dependency and mental health. Housing First is cost-efficient, reduces recidivism, and provides dignity. And it works. A recent report from the Urban Institute studied the lasting effect of Housing First programs across the U.S. As we ready our complete 2023 report on the state of homelessness in Cincinnati for release, please know we and our partner agencies are actively working every day to end homelessness, here at home. And please know that your support matters – thank you! |
