St. Paul, MN: Number of homeless surprises
county
Survey counts 260 without housing
The St. Paul Pioneer Press
BY FREDERICK MELO
Originally published July 2, 2005
A recent survey shows that homelessness in Dakota County is a larger problem than previously thought, according to human-services advocates.
An annual "point-in-time" survey conducted by county staff and community agencies on Jan. 27 counted 260 people living on the street, in shelters or in areas "unfit for human habitation." Of that homeless population, 53 were children. Another 64 were corrections inmates about to be released with no destination.
And 182 people were "unsheltered," meaning they had no place to go that night but the street.
The county's Community Services Division presented survey results to the county commissioners this week. The division provides rent subsidies and case management for residents at risk of becoming homeless.
"In terms of people on the street, living in their cars, I think there's more of that than people realize," said Maribeth Lundeen, manager of the county's Housing and Resource Development Unit.
County workers and other officials who deal closely with at-risk families say the results paint a more accurate picture of the problem of homelessness in the suburbs. A similar survey conducted in 2004 placed only 51 people in the "unsheltered" category.
"We did a more thorough count, literally," said Reyne Branchaud-Linsk, executive director of Dakota Woodlands, the only emergency homeless shelter for families in Dakota County. In addition to surveying social workers and other county employees, Branchaud-Linsk said she approached food pantries, thrift stores, church networks and corrections officials to help track the homeless population last winter.
"I still think it's an underestimate," said Branchaud-Linsk. "There's a number of ways that people who are homeless wouldn't be included in this count, such as if someone is doubled up with a friend or at an aunt's house."
The surveys are a required part of grant applications to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which provides assistance for housing initiatives.
Advocates plan to approach the county board in August with specific recommendations for reducing homelessness. Some of the options being debated include providing more subsidized housing for the disabled and mentally ill, steering inmates leaving jail toward services and building a housing development for people ages 18 to 25.
Frederick Melo can be reached at fmelo@pioneerpress.com or 651-228-2172.