Homeless numbers dropping, but it doesn’t tell whole story

While recent report looks good, those at shelters tell different story

Homelessness continues a downward slide in Wisconsin.

That, according to the latest numbers from the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development. Its report shows homelessness declined by more than double the national rate this year. In Wisconsin, the rate has dropped by six percent this year over last year’s numbers and by almost two-thirds since 2010.

Yes, says Joe Volk, head of the Wisconsin Coalition Against Homelessness, there certainly are fewer individuals who are homeless but that’s not the whole picture.

“The reality is, that in the state of Wisconsin, over half the people that are homeless are, in fact, children with their parents,” Volk said. “Unfortunately, those children, if we don’t help them, they will become the next generation of chronically homeless.”

While fed numbers show there are about 6,000 across the state living without permanent housing, Volk says that under counts those who might be couch surfing with family members or even just living in their cars.  

While the feds say the state is making big progress in battling homelessness. Volk believes that’s only true among certain groups – not for families.

“Every family shelter operator throughout the state of Wisconsin will tell you there are families they have to turn away each and every night,” Volk said. “In certainly the metropolitan, the larger city areas of the state of Wisconsin … the family shelters are overflowing.”