Understanding Homelessness in Jackson County
Nationally, homelessness has been on the rise since 2017. In 2022, the number of individuals experiencing homelessness reached record highs in the history of data collection. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, around 4,775 people were homeless in Wisconsin on any given night in 2022. In the Black River Falls School District, 47 children in 22 families have been identified as homeless since September of 2023. Homelessness is an issue that touches many families and community members.
Many community agencies are working to address issues related to housing instability, through the Jackson County Homeless Coalition. Work is being done to bring resources into our community. If you are interested in assisting individuals experiencing homelessness in our community and bringing resources into the community, you can get involved with the Jackson County Homeless Coalition by contacting Jackson County Department of Health and Human Services at 715-284-4301.
You are also invited to attend a Community Conversation on January 17th at 3:30pm at the Black River Falls Public Library. During this conversation, we will discuss homelessness and housing instability in Jackson County, provide space to hear from service providers and families regarding the immediate needs of families in crisis, and help brainstorm creative solutions. This discussion is open to anyone! If you are interested in being a part of the conversation - please RSVP to Vicki Fisher at the library at 715-284-4112 or v.fisher@wrlsweb.org.
There are many different definitions of homelessness, which can make determining a true number of those experiencing homelessness confusing. A simplified version of the definitions are as follows:
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has 4 categories of homelessness;
Category 1: Literally Homeless - Individual or family who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, meaning they have no place to stay after incarceration, in a shelter, or living in a place not meant for human habitation.
Category 2: Imminent Risk of Homelessness - Individual or family who will imminently lose their primary nighttime residence, within the next two weeks with no subsequent residence identified.
Category 3: Homeless under other Federal Statutes - Unaccompanied youth under 25 years of age, or families with Category 3 children or youth, who do not otherwise qualify as homeless under this definition, but who are defined as homeless under other federal statutes; have not had a lease, ownership interest, or occupancy agreement in permanent housing during the 60 days prior to the homeless assistance application; have experienced persistent instability as measured by two moves or more during/in the preceding 60 days; and can be expected to continue in such status for an extended period of time due to special needs or barriers.
Category 4: Fleeing/Attempting to Flee Domestic Violence - Any individual or family who has no residence as a result of fleeing a domestic violence situation.
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law created to support the educational stability of homeless students. The McKinney-Vento definition of homelessness varies from the HUD definition. Students are considered homeless if they are:
(a) Sharing housing with another family due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason
(b) Living in a motel/hotel or tent/camper
(c) Staying at an emergency or transitional shelter
(d) Abandoned in the hospital
(e) Living in cars, abandoned buildings, bus/train stations, public spaces, substandard housing, or similar settings not meant for human habitation.
Migratory children and unaccompanied youth may be homeless if they are living in these situations.
If you are passionate about helping families and individuals experiencing homelessness in Jackson County, consider attending the Community Conversation at the Black River Falls Public Library on January 17th at 3:30pm. You can also get involved with the Jackson County Homeless Coalition by reaching out to Jackson County DHHS at 715-284-4301.
Jackson County: Healthy People, Strong Community.
