FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Local Homeless Agencies See a 37% Increase in Clients Served in 2009

Flint, Michigan–May 27, 2010 – The Flint/Genesee County Continuum of Care announced that it saw a 37% increase in the number of homeless clients served by partner agencies in 2009.  This statistic is part of a report titled “The State of Homelessness in Flint & Genesee County” released today by the Continuum of Care and Metro Community Development.

The report revealed that the fastest growing homeless population in 2009 was families, which increased by nearly 70%.  Out of these households, 47% were homeless for the first time during the year.  “Local families have been hit the hardest by this current economic downturn in our community,” said Jameca Patrick-Singleton, Genesee County Continuum of Care Coordinator.  “The loss of employment opportunities means that many working class households are now struggling to maintain housing.”

Even with the increases, local service providers insist that they are making progress in the fight against homelessness.  They cite a 41% increase in capacity for supportive housing programs, and a high percentage of positive discharges for those completing homeless programs.  “While we may not be able to change our economic situation, we can change how we react to difficult economic times” said Patrick-Singleton.  “Now, more than ever we need to be focused on the task in front of us, which is helping those around us who are in need.”

Download the full 2009 Report on the State of Homelessness in Flint\Genesee County (3.1 mb)

Contact: Gerry Leslie
HMIS Administrator
Metro Community Development
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
503 S. Saginaw Street Suite 804
Flint, Michigan 48502
Ph: 810.767.4622

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