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Wisconsin homelessness down 6 percent compared to last year

Wisconsin homelessness down 6 percent compared to last year
Posted at 11:49 AM, Nov 27, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-27 12:50:28-05
MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- The rate of homelessness in Wisconsin declined by more than double the national rate this year, according to figures from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
 
Homelessness across the state was down about 6 percent this year compared to 2015, the Wisconsin Public Radio reported.
 
HUD spokeswoman Gina Rodriguez said the number of people in Wisconsin who are chronically homeless has dropped by about 62 percent since 2010, a reflection that government efforts focused on reducing chronic homelessness are paying off.
"The different partnerships occurring across both the federal, state and at the local level, with the nonprofit partners, it's really been a phenomenal way to help to decrease those numbers," she said.
 
Wisconsin Coalition Against Homelessness executive director Joseph Volk said he worries about homeless youth in the state. He also said families with children need more attention, even though helping groups is more challenging than individuals.
 
"(Children) are living with their parents in either shelters, vans or buildings or places where they shouldn't be," Volk said. Data showed out of the nearly 6,000 people across the state without permanent housing, 300 of them are youth living on their own.
 
Rodriguez said national efforts to help end veteran homelessness have been successful, and they plan to focus next on homeless children.