Statewide Homelessness Declines, Increases in St. Louis Co.

Growing Homeless Population for Singles

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A new study shows the number of people who are homeless is decreasing in Minnesota, but when considering other factors Northland officials said the numbers here are higher.

According to the Minnesota Interagency Council on Homeless during last January’s county more than 7,500 people identified as homeless statewide.

While the number is on the decline across the state that’s not the case locally.

“Here in St. Louis County we have a slightly growing homeless population for singles and steady for families,” said Deputy Director of St. Louis County’s Public Health and Human Services Shelley Sakku.

In St. Louis County more than 800 applications for emergency assistance were approved last year to help people cover first month’s rent, utilities or a deposit to get an apartment.