Michigan is making progress among some groups experiencing homelessness despite an overall increase in the homeless population, according to a recent report released by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) and Michigan’s Campaign to End Homelessness.
Michigan is making progress among some groups experiencing homelessness despite an overall increase in the homeless population, according to a recent report released by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) and Michigan’s Campaign to End Homelessness.
In 2018, Michigan saw a slight increase in the total number of people experiencing homelessness, rising from 63,024 in 2017 to 65,104 in 2018. This number had been steadily declining in recent years.
According to Kelly Rose, chief housing solutions officer at MSHDA, the increase of homeless residents can be attributed to newer steps being taken by some communities to better document people facing homelessness in an effort to deliver services more effectively. The shortage of affordable housing in many communities is also believed to be a contributing factor.
“This annual report tells a story about our collective work and it shows that we are making progress,” Rose said. “That being said, any increase in homelessness is unacceptable and we must do more.”
Success stories from the report:
Homelessness among young adults ages 18-24 decreased.
The rate of homelessness among veterans in our state went down.
The average length of time people experience homelessness decreased from 92 nights in 2016 to 49 nights in 2018.
The rate of families connected to permanent housing with subsidies jumped to 60 percent in 2018. This is up from 20 percent in 2017.
There has been a four-year decline in the number of students in Michigan’s public schools experiencing homelessness.
Remaining challenges:
Families experiencing homelessness increased. The average monthly income for families exiting homeless services is $649, significant considering median rent in Michigan is around $835.
More seniors were homeless, with nearly one third experiencing homelessness for the first time.
About 44 percent of people who are homeless also reported living with a disability. Mental disabilities were most commonly reported.
Racial disparities among our state’s homeless population persist. About 52% of people experiencing homelessness in our state are African American, yet only 13% of our state’s population is African American.
The graduation rate for students facing homelessness was 57 percent.
“Our local communities tirelessly continue to respond to individuals and families accessing Michigan’s homeless response system, but we know there’s more to be done,” Rose said. “As we work to put Michigan on the road to opportunity, now more than ever we need to keep on implementing innovative approaches to ensure everyone in Michigan has a place to call home.”
The Michigan Homeless Policy Council is beginning the process of drafting a new action plan for 2020-2021, which will focus on strategies to improve the state’s homeless response system, enhance cross-system coordination and address some of the root causes of homelessness.
Recent highlights of CMF members working to address homelessness include:
Earlier this year, the Skillman Foundation awarded $50,000 to the Detroit Phoenix Center through its My Brother’s Keeper Detroit Innovation Challenge. The funds are being used to support its Asset Based Resource Center (ABRC), which provides homeless youth access to services including emergency housing support, laundry services, access to a computer lab, transportation assistance, and more. The program also assists with career readiness, life skills, and workshops to help youth break the cycle of homelessness.
Rotary Charities of Traverse City recently awarded $140,000 to The Homeless Youth Initiative, a committee of the Northwest Michigan Coalition to End Homelessness. The Homeless Youth Initiative collaborates to offer homeless youth comprehensive housing, counseling and education services that support a successful transition to healthy, independent living.
Michigan Health Endowment Fund awarded $100,000 to the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County to introduce a nationally recognized recuperative care program for homeless older adults discharging from hospitals. This program allows individuals experiencing homelessness the opportunity to rest in a safe environment while accessing medical care and other supportive services.
Want more? Read the full report.
