Plymouth reports rising homelessness in January PIT count statistics

In a recent government meeting, significant discussions centered around the rising issue of homelessness in Plymouth, Wisconsin. The meeting highlighted the results of the January Point in Time (PIT) count, a nationwide effort to assess homelessness within communities. This count occurs twice a year, providing a snapshot of individuals experiencing homelessness, including those in emergency shelters and transitional housing.

The PIT count revealed alarming statistics for Plymouth. The number of unsheltered individuals—those sleeping outside—rose dramatically from just two in January 2023 to 14 in January 2025. Additionally, the number of people in emergency shelters surged from 51 to 96 during the same period. These figures position Plymouth among the top three areas in Wisconsin for the increase in homelessness, trailing only behind larger counties like Milwaukee, Dane, and Brown.

The meeting also addressed the limitations of the PIT count, noting that it does not account for individuals living in doubled-up situations with family or those paying for hotel stays. Despite these shortcomings, the data underscores a growing concern about housing instability in the community.

Further discussions included the role of transitional housing programs, specifically Bridgeway, which is the only program counted in the PIT data. The fluctuating capacity of such programs complicates the overall understanding of homelessness trends in the area.

As the community grapples with these rising numbers, officials emphasized the importance of supportive housing applications to assist those facing housing instability. The meeting served as a crucial platform for raising awareness and strategizing responses to the escalating homelessness crisis in Plymouth, highlighting the need for continued efforts and resources to address this pressing issue.