The number of people experiencing homelessness in NH was unchanged over the past year, and remains up 10 percent from two years ago, according to the NH Coalition to End Homelessness (NHCEH).
In December, the group released its report on the State of Homelessness in NH, which uses data compiled from state and federal sources. The report provides an overview of trends and an understanding of the scope of homelessness statewide for the period from 2016 through 2018. Despite small decreases in some subpopulations in the past year, the number of people in every group, including families, veterans, and those living outside remains higher than in 2016.
The report, which can be viewed at www.nhceh.org/2018-report, also reveals continuing increases in the number of children identified as homeless in the NH public school system. More than 4,000 NH students were identified as homeless during the 2016-2017 school year, an increase of almost 21 percent from a mere two years ago.
“Despite the increasing need, these numbers also remind us that ending homelessness in New Hampshire is possible,” says Cathy Kuhn, director of the NHCEH. “It is true that thousands of New Hampshire citizens are touched by homelessness each year; however, unlike in other parts of the country, our numbers are not insurmountable. With continued dedication and renewed investment, we can end this problem in our state.”
The NH Coalition to End Homelessness is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to eliminate the causes of homelessness through research, education, and advocacy. For more information, call 603-641-9441.
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