RACINE, Wis. — New data suggests that homelessness across Wisconsin continues to increase even as more time passes since the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Wisconsin Policy Forum analyzed federal data which suggests that homelessness rose nearly 2% between 2022 and 2023 in the state. The data shows that homelessness rates dropped in some places like Dane County, but rose slightly in others like Milwaukee and Racine counties. 

The rise in homelessness is something leadership staff at Racine-based Homeless Assistance Leadership Organization (HALO) said is unfortunate but not totally surprising.

That’s because of the demand for their services that they have seen in recent years. 

Angela Holland, case manager at HALO, said recently the center has seen an increase in the number of families looking for assistance, rather than single individuals. 

She said the center has been receiving more referrals from local school districts that in the past. 

Holland said continued inflation has meant the difference between some people barely getting by and being homeless. 

“Rent went up dramatically. We have a system right now where we are working with HARC Housing Authorities where we are able to get people some vouchers to help offset some of that rent cost, but it still went up tremendously where it is hard to find places that are in family friendly neighborhoods,” said Holland. 

Holly Anderle, HALO’s director, said as COVID-related assistance programs come to an end, more people are trying to figure out what’s next. 

“There were a glut of resources that were available during COVID and a freeze on evictions and on people having to leave. So, I wasn’t surprised that once COVID was over the homeless numbers would rise and rise again,” said Anderle. 

Anderle said she hopes more Racine area landlords will be willing to work with lower-income people, including those who are served by HALO, to help address the shortage of affordable housing.