How has the current economic crisis in the United States impacted homelessness?
The foreclosure and economic crises are significantly increasing homelessness and the number of families at risk of homelessness across the country, and in Montana. The United States Interagency Council on Homelessness has reported that preliminary data from cities and organizations is showing homelessness increases of as much as 20 percent. In Missoula, the number of employed persons who are homeless has increased over the past year because of the tightening job market and decreasing wages. Additionally, because of layoffs in the area, Missoula has seen an increase in families experiencing homelessness. As we experience this mounting economic crisis, many of Missoula’s homeless housing and service providers are experiencing record need. The Joseph Residence has over fifty families on their waiting list, and the Valor House has forty homeless veterans waiting to benefit from their award winning housing and services. From the first half of 2008 compared to the first half of 2009, reques
