JACKSON, Miss. ( WJTV ) – As homelessness skyrockets across the country, Mississippi’s numbers are trending in the right direction.

According to USAFacts , 3.3 out of 10,000 people experienced sheltered homelessness in Mississippi last year. With 982 people experiencing homelessness in Mississippi in 2023, the state has the lowest rate of homelessness nationwide . This accounts for about 0.0015% of America’s homeless population. This is over five times lower than Mississippi’s share of the country’s overall population.

USAFact’s findings are based on research from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ‘s 2023 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress. Below are the numbers relating to homeless Mississippians last year.

• Homeless individuals
  • 778
• Homeless people in families with children
  • 204
• Unaccompanied homeless youth
  • 42
• Homeless veterans
  • 61
• Chronically homeless individuals
  • 130
• Sheltered homeless people
  • 538 (45.2% of the overall homeless population in MS)
• Unsheltered homeless people
  • 444 (54.8%)
• Change in homelessness since 2022
  • 17.9% decrease
• Change in homelessness since 2018
  • 1.2% decrease
• Change in homelessness since 2007
  • 28.7% decrease

Between 2022 and 2023, Mississippi had the third largest percentage decrease in homelessness at 17.9% or (214 fewer homeless people). During that same period, Mississippi had the third largest percentage decrease in unaccompanied homeless youth at 66.7% (84 fewer people). Additionally, Mississippi had the largest percentage decrease of homeless veterans at 56.1% (78 fewer people). Since 2009, there have been 83% fewer homeless veterans in Mississippi.

Among Mississippians experiencing chronic patterns of homelessness, the number has decreased by 80% since 2007. However, Mississippi has the 2nd highest share of homeless Mississippians living in unsheltered locations at 79%.

For those experiencing or at risk of facing homelessness, accessing resources is as easy as dialing 2-1-1. The Federal Communications Commission designated 211 as the 3-digit number for information and referrals to social services and other assistance in 2000 . The phone service is provided by more than 200 local and national organizations committed to serving their communities, including United Ways, Goodwill, Community Action Partnerships, and local crisis centers.

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