Cincinnati agencies report record family homelessness amid funding and housing challenges

During a recent meeting of the Equitable Growth & Housing Committee in Cincinnati, city officials and community organizations addressed the pressing issue of family homelessness, highlighting a significant increase in the number of families experiencing homelessness in the region. The meeting, held on February 11, 2025, revealed alarming statistics and underscored the challenges faced by local organizations in providing adequate support.

The committee heard from representatives of four organizations that have collaborated since 2007 to tackle homelessness in Cincinnati and Hamilton County. They reported that the number of families calling the Central Access Point (CAP) helpline surged in 2024, with over 2,200 families seeking assistance. However, only 697 of those families were determined to need emergency shelter, and just 266 were accommodated, indicating a severe shortage of available shelter space.

Kevin Finn from Strategies to End Homelessness emphasized that many families remain hidden and often wait up to a year before seeking help. The data revealed a troubling trend: in 2024, 232 families were counted sleeping outside, a stark increase from previous years. This rise is attributed to both improved outreach efforts and a growing number of families unable to access emergency shelter.

The meeting also highlighted the critical role of shelter diversion programs, which aim to prevent families from entering the shelter system. However, these programs are underfunded, with only 106 families receiving assistance in 2024. The lack of affordable housing options exacerbates the situation, as families struggle to find multi-bedroom units within their income range.

Stacey Burge from Found House discussed the challenges families face in maintaining stable housing, particularly in light of rising living costs and the loss of daycare capacity since the COVID-19 pandemic. Many families require long-term rental assistance to avoid returning to homelessness, yet the available resources are dwindling.

Council members expressed concern about the implications of potential cuts to social services, including Medicaid and food assistance, which could further strain the already limited resources for families in need. The committee acknowledged the interconnectedness of these issues and the importance of upstream interventions to address the root causes of homelessness.

As the meeting concluded, officials emphasized the need for continued collaboration and support for local organizations working on the front lines of this crisis. The discussions underscored the urgency of addressing family homelessness in Cincinnati, as the community grapples with increasing demand for services amid a challenging economic landscape. The committee plans to follow up with further updates and strategies to enhance support for affected families in the coming months.