Polk County's unsheltered population reaches record levels
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The number of unsheltered people in Polk County reached a record high this summer, continuing an upward trend local leaders say underscores the metro's affordable housing crisis, according to a new report from local nonprofit Homeward.
The big picture: Outreach staff counted 210 unsheltered people in Polk County from July 30-31. That's an 18% increase from last summer's count of 177 people and a slight increase from 206 this past winter, Jan. 29-30.
- Overall, 768 people were experiencing homelessness in Polk County, including those staying in shelters. The previous summer, the total was 729.
- The overall number is slightly lower than this winter's count of 779.
What they're saying: "The concern is that we're not seeing a decrease," Angie Arthur, executive director of Homeward, tells Axios.
Zoom out: Polk County's uptick follows a national trend that's been driven recently by increases in rent prices and the end of COVID programs that helped with housing insecurity.
Zoom in: Between 2003-2023, Iowa lost more than a quarter of its rental units priced under $600 compared to a decade ago, even after adjusting for inflation.
- And more than $100 million in federal emergency rent support to Polk County ended last March.
How it works: The point-in-time counts have been conducted since 2016, excluding 2020.
- Outreach staff talk with unsheltered residents living in cars, camps or on the street and offer them housing services, gift cards and snacks.
Yes, but: There was a positive shift in youth homelessness, with a decline among 18– to 24-year-olds, thanks to targeted federal funding and programming.
- Veteran experiencing homelessness also decreased, which Arthur credits to coordinated efforts and increased federal, state, and local resources.
- Broader funding increases could help Polk County's overall population, she says.
What we're watching: In May, a comprehensive five-year plan to end homelessness in Polk County was released.
- Doug Romig was hired this month to help oversee the plan.