Homelessness on decline across Minnesota, study says

Homelessness is on the decline across Minnesota.

A single-night study released Monday by the Wilder Foundation found 9,312 people living outdoors and in shelters around the state.

That's a 9 percent drop from the previous count in 2012 and the first decline in Wilder's count since 2006. The study was conducted Oct. 22, 2015.

Michelle Gerrard, the study's co-director, said kids and young adults make up more than half of the state's homeless population.

"Children and youth are the most likely to be homeless, compared to their representation in the whole population than any other age group," she said.

While the study found an increase in unaccompanied homeless teens, there was a drop from 2012 of children living with parents on the streets or in shelters, or 3,296 kids.

Wilder's triennial homeless count is separate from an annual count conducted every January that's mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.