The problem in Springfield
Each year in Springfield, 1200-1400 individuals plus 500-600 families experience a spell of homelessness. Our most recent point-in-time count, in January 2006, identified 237 individuals and 35 families homeless on that one night.
Some of Springfield's homeless are people suffering from mental illness or substance abuse problems, and these people are highly visible on our streets and in our parks. This population - about 20% of the entire homeless population—is referred to as the chronic homeless, and these individuals experience long-term or repeat homelessness.
Many homeless people are not visible, however. They are working and disabled very low-income households, including families, who lose their housing through job loss, illness or eviction. Most people who become homeless experience a one-time crisis that is resolved when they obtain new housing.