2014 homeless census finds population in Clark Southern Nevada grows
Southern Nevada saw an increase in its homeless population from 2013, according to data from the 2014 Southern Nevada Homeless Census & Survey released Thursday.
The number of homeless people in Southern Nevada increased by 28 percent from the previous year with a total count of 9,417 homeless in 2014. Even though the homeless population has risen, it remains below the 2009 peak of 13,388.
Other cities and regions also have experienced rising rates of homelessness including Seattle, Boston and New York City.
The rise in homelessness in Southern Nevada is attributed to the region’s slow-recovering economy, which takes a toll on financially vulnerable individuals, according to Tim Burch, director of the Clark County Department of Social Service and a member of the Southern Nevada Regional Planning Coalition’s Committee on Homelessness.
According to the census, approximately 36,700 Southern Nevadans experienced homelessness at least once in the previous year.
The 2014 Homeless Census & Survey took place in January 2014 with the assistance of over 300 volunteers and was conducted to fulfill requirements for federal grants for homeless programs.
Contact reporter Maria Agreda at magreda@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0391. Find her on Twitter: @mjfagre.
