Homeless Numbers
By: Daniel Woodruff
Updated: August 14, 2009
The tough economy is having an impact on the rate of homelessness in
The Allen County Housing and Homeless Task Force counted the number of homeless people in Allen and four other surrounding counties. At first glance, the numbers appear to have fallen. But that’s not the case.
According to the report, 466 total homeless individuals were counted this year. In 2007, there were 492. The number of sheltered homeless individuals counted this year was 306--a significant drop from 402 counted in 2007.
But Mollie Cripe, co-chair of the task force, said not all shelters turned in survey results. This means the number of homeless individuals is likely higher, Cripe said.
The task force also counted 160 unsheltered homeless individuals, meaning “they had stayed in places not meant for human habitation, such as under bridges, in stairwells, storage units, and vehicles.” A 2007 count found 90.
Cripe said people interested in helping the homeless can get involved by researching local agencies and donating time or money.
For more information, contact Mollie Cripe at 260-424-4908 ext. 243.
The Allen County Housing and Homeless Task Force meets at Broadway Christian Church the last Friday of each month at 1:30 p.m. The address is 910 Broadway in
