NEW: RI's Homeless Population Shrinks for First Time Since 2007

NEW: RI's Homeless Population Shrinks for First Time Since 2007

Rhode Island’s homeless population is on the decline for the first time since 2007, according to new report released by the Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless today. The 2013 data shows that the number of homeless individuals decreased from 4,868 in 2012 to 4,447 in 2013, which is a 9% dip. The figures also showed decreases from 2012 to 2013 for children, families and veterans entering homelessness.

Reason for the decline

Providence College Professor Dr. Eric Hirsch, who released the statistics, attributed the decrease to a combination of a recovering economy and the homeless system beginning to see the benefits of programs outlined in Opening Doors Rhode Island, the state’s plan to end homelessness.

“In addition to creating better outcomes for those Rhode Islanders experiencing homelessness, housing our homeless makes good, sound fiscal sense,” explained Hirsch. “My research shows a cost savings of $10,000 for the typical Medicaid user who was homeless, once they become stabilized with housing.”

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The encouraging news was announced this morning at a State House event, which included advocates, homeless and formerly homeless constituents. The event also included the launch of State House Project Homeless Connect, a special event that will weekly directly link the homeless to the services they need.

The data

The Annual Statistics also found decreases across the board including:

• 9% decrease in the overall number of homeless from 4,868 in 2012 to 4,447 in 2013
• 7% decrease in homeless families from 678 in 2012 to 631 in 2013
• 13% decrease in homeless children from 1,277 in 2012 to 1,117 in 2013
• 12% decrease for homeless veterans from 299 in 2012 to 264 in 2013

 

Looking forward

There was one area of concern amongst the positive news, the fact that the most chronic, long-term individuals are staying longer in the shelters. But even that news has a silver lining. With the recent funding of $750,000 for rental vouchers by the Legislature, 125 of the most chronic homeless are in the process of being housed.

“We are thrilled to see positive movement towards our vision of a state that houses its citizens that have experienced homelessness, rather than simply sheltering them,” said Jim Ryczek, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless. “We have long known how to end homelessness in our state, but we have needed the funding to make it a reality. This legislative session can build on last year’s funding success by supporting legislation that continues to fund the solutions.”

“Homelessness exacerbates health problems and difficulties with accessing appropriate overall healthcare,” added Vickie Walters, Associate Director of Residential and Home Base for the Providence Center, one of the agencies that received the new rental voucher funding to house the homeless. “Housing has improved the quality of life for many formerly chronic homeless Rhode Islanders. Housing is an essential innovation. Housing with appropriate services provides stability and the base for improving overall health. It enables folks to become positive, active participants in the world and enables people to reconnect with their family. Housing is healthcare.”

Click here to read more about the report.