United Way of Bartholomew County has released a report finding that homelessness “is becoming more visible” in Columbus and “will likely worsen” if the community does not take immediate action.
Additionally, the organization plans to hold a public forum in Columbus later this month to review the report’s findings and discuss next steps to addressing what officials have described as a “complex social issue” impacting communities nationwide.
The forum will be Nov. 20 at the Yes Cinema Kalsi Center, 222 Fourth St., from 5 to 7 p.m. The event is open to the public.
“This report is the result of community voices coming together to come to a shared understanding of the facts and narratives surrounding homelessness,” Mark Stewart, president of United Way of Bartholomew County, said in a statement. “This report represents the first step to everyone coming together to ensure that everyone – no matter their circumstances, has a chance at a stable, dignified life.”
About 140 people in Columbus are homeless on any given night, according to the report, which seeks to “build community consensus on the facts and narratives surrounding homelessness.” Of those individuals, about 80 spend the night at local shelters, while the rest sleep in their cars, the report states.
However, officials have said those figures are “likely an undercount.”
The report found that several factors are contributing to homelessness and housing insecurity in Columbus, including a “significant lack of rental housing available for less than $700 a month, and an even greater shortage of rental housing below $500 a month.”
About 2,543 families in Columbus pay more than half of their monthly income toward housing, the report states.
“Homelessness stems from a complex interplay of factors, including a shortage of affordable housing, economic challenges such as unemployment and low wages, mental health issues, substance abuse problems, family breakdowns, domestic violence, trauma, systemic poverty, involvement in the criminal justice system, eviction and the lack of personal support networks,” the report states.
Currently, an estimated 87 rental units are needed at prices below $700 per month, as well as 63 units below $500 per month and 24 units between $500 and $700 per month, the report states.
And 326 more units priced under $700 per month will need to be developed over the next five years to keep up with forecasted demand. At the same time, about 265 federally subsidized units could leave federal assistance programs by 2035 and start charging market rate rent.
Earlier this year, the Villas Apartments, 4101 Waycross Drive, announced that it would close next year, resulting in a loss of 99 affordable units.
There are currently more than 500 local residents on the wait list to get federally subsidized housing in Columbus. The typical wait for a subsidized unit is nearly two years.
Other key findings from the report include that current social service system needs better alignment and additional resources to effectively support those in need, and that the stigma attached to homelessness can hinder understanding and support in the community.
“The next step is to seek solutions to the key issues identified through community collaboration,” United Way of Bartholomew County said in a statement.