Homelessness by the numbers

The number of individuals experiencing chronic homelessness (long-term homelessness and living with a severe disability) has decreased 69 percent since 2014, and is down 15 percent since 2017.

Nearly 75 percent of those counted as chronically homeless were in the process of securing permanent housing, according to the Coalition on Housing & Homelessness.

In all, 38 veterans were identified in an emergency shelter: 13 were unsheltered, a decrease of 7 percent from 2017. Also, 5,054 youth under the age of 25 were estimated to be homeless or unstably housed, including 254 counted as literally homeless in the PIT, according to the agency, located at 100 Riverview Center in Middletown.

In total, 370 families were experiencing homelessness, a decrease of 6 percent from the prior year, and no unsheltered families were identified. Last year represents the lowest total ever in a statewide Connecticut PIT count for the overall total population, families, and chronically homeless since the first statewide count in 2007.

In all, 91 percent of the coalition’s clients do not return to homelessness once they receive personalized assistance.

Over the last year, the length of shelter stays decreased to 87 days, with most clients exiting to permanent housing. In all, 47 percent of the people served report an increase in income once they have their own apartment. Families living paycheck to paycheck are being helped through the organization’s Homeless Prevention Fund, which enables them to keep their housing through a temporary life crisis, according to GrowStrongCT.

Where to turn

Anyone experiencing homelessness, who is at risk of homelessness, or in need of housing assistance should call 211 or visit 211.org to speak with a housing specialist who will connect them to the regional coordinated access network.

St. Vincent De Paul Middletown has a soup kitchen at 617 Main St., open Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Hot meals are served between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Between 5 and 6 p.m. Sundays, a meal is provided by local faith communities.

The Amazing Grace Food Pantry at 16 Stack St., is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 860-347-3222 for information.

For information, visit svdmiddletown.org.