Homelessness is on the Rise in NH

The number of homeless in New Hampshire increased slightly over the past year, according to the annual count conducted by the state Department of Health and Human Services' Bureau of Homeless and Housing Services.

Results of the one-day count, conducted on Jan. 23, revealed there were 2,576 homeless residents across the state. That's a 6 percent increase from the 2,438 counted last year. Of that number, 1,243 were sheltered (down 9 percent), 442 were unsheltered (up 17 percent), and 891 were temporarily living with family or a friend (up 20 percent).

In Rockingham County, the count showed there are a total of 274 homeless residents, including 104 sheltered, 57 unsheltered, and 113 who are temporarily living with a family member or a friend.

"It is troubling to see the rise in the number of people who do not have a
place to call home,” DHHS Commissioner Nicholas Toumpas said. “This data
underscores the need for us to continue to work together to find solutions
to end homelessness, especially in a time of limited resources as there are
far too many individuals and families that do not have a permanent place to
live."

Of the 1,520 adults surveyed statewide, 37 percent self-reported a severe and persistent mental illness, 35 percent reported having a substance abuse issue, 11 percent were veterans and 32 percent were chronically homeless.