Every three years in Minnesota, Wilder Research conducts a one-day, statewide study to better understand the prevalence, causes, circumstances, and effects of homelessness.
In 2018, the survey results identified that homelessness had increased 10% statewide since the previous survey in 2015, when Elevate first began establishing plans to end homelessness for young moms and their children in our community.
According to this one-day survey in 2018:
107 young moms 21 years old and under, with children
134 young moms between the ages of 22 and 24, with children
Total, 241 young moms age 24 and under in Minnesota were found to be experiencing homelessness, with children.
In Anoka County alone 8 young moms age 24 and under, that were able to be surveyed, experienced homelessness with their children.
This survey reflects just one night, late in October… with women that were able to be found… can you imagine how many were unable to be found on the single day of the study? Seeking warmth elsewhere? How many were not “staying in emergency and domestic violence shelters, and transitional housing sites… [able to be] found through outreach in non-shelter locations such as encampments, hot-meal programs, and other drop-in service locations…?”
We can only begin to imagine what the upcoming 2021 survey will identify after the most unprecedented year we have faced in a long time as a community. As it stood in 2018, Elevate Hope House needed 3 homes to meet the need found on a single night… it’s time to build… it’s time to grow… it’s time to expand our reach and serve the community.