The challenge of homelessness is evident for Minnesota as well.
The Wilder Research Center's survey of Minnesota's homeless families
in 2009 noted that family homelessness has risen to its highest
level since 1991 (Wilder Research, 2011). In October of 2009, on the
night of the survey, 1455 families were sleeping in emergency shelters
or transitional housing options (including 2857 children age 17
and younger) and another 200 families (with 394 children) were
found sleeping outside or in cars. Disturbingly, the Wilder Research
Center concluded that homeless families and children have made up
the greatest segment of homeless people in Minnesota since the
statewide homeless survey began in 1991. Furthermore, the number
of children impacted by homelessness has not always been apparent
by those who access emergency centers and shelters. During the survey,
Wilder Research Center found that 50% of homeless adults were
parents of children age 17 or younger, yet only 30% had a child with
them. It is clear that relatives and guardians are keeping care of children
during housing crises for families, which contributes to unstable
home life and mobility between residences and schools