Nearly 29K registered for homeless services in West Virginia from 2018-23
(The Center Square) – Nearly 29,000 used a HUD-funded shelter, street outreach project or housing project in West Virginia between 2018 and 2023, according to a new study of homelessness in the state.
Of those, 76% say that they were homeless at the time they utilized the assistance.
Nearly half of those individuals were between ages 25 and 44 and 58% were male, according to the study from the West Virginia Department of Human Services’ Bureau for Behavioral Health.
The study was put together to give an overall look at issues with homelessness in the state.
Substance use disorder and mental health issues were noted as drivers of homelessness.
“It underscores the significant role that mental health and substance use disorders play in this crisis,” said Christina Mullins, department deputy secretary of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders. “With this information, we are better equipped to develop comprehensive, compassionate, and effective strategies to support our most vulnerable residents.”
The homeless population included 13% who identified as Black or African American, well above the 3.7% of the total population reported in the 2020 U.S. Census.
The study found that the majority of those who identified as homeless are located in cities and population centers, where more services are available for them.
“While the majority of individuals experiencing homelessness were long-term residents of West Virginia, many cited the availability of services, proximity to family, and personal relationships as reasons for relocating to or within West Virginia,” the report said.
