MINNEAPOLIS— There are more Minnesotans living there than there were a decade ago. A 2023 study by researchers at the Wilder Foundation found that the state’s unsheltered population has increased by 10% since 2013. The Minnesota Homeless Study takes place every three years and provides policymakers and community organizations with the most comprehensive insight into who is experiencing homelessness and the reasons for it. who led them to their situation.
“All of our data indicates that people do much better when they are indoors,” said Rebecca Sales, co-director of the Minnesota Homeless Study.
Minnesota’s unsheltered homeless population faces unique challenges, especially in the winter. Recently, a fire broke out at an encampment in Minneapolis. Fire officials believe it started when several propane tanks that people were using to stay warm exploded.
Data from the survey shows that 78% of unsheltered Minnesotans have been living outside for more than a year and are experiencing long-term homelessness.
“The things that were most disheartening, I would say, are some of the more specific findings when we delved into individual experiences,” Sales said.
The sales point to the Native American population, which makes up 2% of Minnesotans but 20% of the homeless and 23% of those unsheltered.
“That’s just a really big gap and disparity to see such a small population represented in such a large way,” Sales said.
The research also found that unsheltered women are far more likely to experience violence and exploitation than men, and that there are reasons why people choose to live outside rather than in a shelter.
“Are there enough shelter beds? And often the answer is no, there are not enough shelter beds. Another thing that is important to consider is that the reason someone may not want to use a shelter is because of past experiences they have had in a shelter,” Sales said.
Sales said a more targeted approach is key to ending homelessness because everyone’s experiences are different. She hopes policymakers will work to address substance abuse and improve access to mental health care at the community level.
“I think if more could be done to address homelessness itself, as opposed to visibility, we would be much further ahead,” she said.
The Wilder Foundation provides the following resources for people experiencing homelessness:
Statewide resources
General sources
211 First call for help
Phone: Call 211
Toll-free: 800-542-7709
Local phone number: 651-291-0211
Opening hours: 24 hours a day, every day
MNB benefits
Apply for Minnesota benefits online.
Housing assistance
WoningLink
Find affordable housing-related options, data, information and resources near you.
Phone: 612-522-2500
Housing benefits 101
Find services and programs to help you navigate housing situations.
Mental health care
Suicide and crisis lifeline
Call 988 or text 988
Opening hours: 24 hours a day, every day
SAMHSA’s National Helpline
Toll Free: 1-800-622-4357
Text your zip code to: 435748
Food support services
Hunger solutions
Find food shelves, farmers markets and meals by zip code.
Minnesota Department of Human Services Supplemental Assistance Program (SNAP).
Find out if you qualify for SNAP and apply.
Veterans Services
Minneapolis VA Clinic
Phone: 612-212-3240
Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Minnesota Veterans Assistance Council (MACV)
Supportive housing, employment and legal services for Minnesota veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and their families.
Phone: 612-726-1327
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8am – 5pm
Toll Free: 1-833-222-6228
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
LinkVet support
1-888-LINKVET (1-888-546-5838)
Crisis line for veterans
Phone: Dial 988 then press 1
Domestic violence services
Day one services
Crisis Hotline: 1-866-223-1111
Opening hours: 24 hours a day, every day
Services for the disabled
MinnesotaHelp.info
An overview of local services and providers that enable older people and people with disabilities to continue living in their own home and community.
Telephone: 1-800-333-2433
HUB for the disabled
Statewide resources to help you navigate the system.
Phone: 866-333-2466
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Disability benefits 101
Resources and information about health coverage, benefits and employment.
Phone: 866-333-2466
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Kirsten Mitchell
