MANCHESTER, NH – On Wednesday, January 28, 2015, a count will be conducted to identify homeless people in New Hampshire. The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services’ Bureau of Homeless and Housing Services (BBHS), together with service providers who serve homeless individuals and families, will identify the number of sheltered and unsheltered persons within a 24-hour period.
This is a combined effort between the three local homeless Continuums of Care (Nashua, Manchester and the “Balance of State”) that BHHS coordinates with the NH Coalition to End Homelessness.
This count is a snapshot of how many people are experiencing homelessness on any given day in New Hampshire. It is based on information reported from city/town welfare offices, homeless shelters, hospitals, hotels, police departments, faith based organizations, outreach workers, 2-1-1 Call Center, and other organizations serving people experiencing homelessness in the State.
In January of 2014, New Hampshire reported 2,210 homeless individuals across the State. Of that number, 1,241 were sheltered, 394 were unsheltered, and 575 individuals were doubled up (temporarily residing with family or friends). The total of 2,210 includes 358 families. An accurate unduplicated count is required by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development and is data essential in obtaining funds that directly benefit individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless in the State.