Homelessness levels rise

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LEWISTOWN - A variety of economic woes has caused levels of homelessness to be higher during the past year than in recent years.

These rising levels are mostly due to the recent increase in the cost of living and limited local employment opportunities, said Wilda Fisher, director of Shelter Services, Inc. in Lewistown.

"(Homelessness is) certainly rising," she said. "Numbers have increased simply because the employment is down in the area."

Another contributing factor is people making poor decisions, she said.

During the 2007-2008 fiscal year there were 54 people in Mifflin County and 14 people in Juniata County assisted through the Shelter Services or Abuse Network Shelter programs, according to Allison Fisher, human services director of Mifflin Juniata Human Services Department.

Ryan Quinn, executive director of Housing Transitions, Inc. in State College, under which emergency shelter Centre House is operated, said people who can't find affordable housing have been one of the biggest emergency shelter utilizers in the past few years.

"Students place pressure on affordable apartments in State College," he said.

Those with mental health issues are the other biggest utilizer, Quinn said.

"(Their disability) often affects the amount of income they have," he said. "(It) goes beyond economic need."

Centre House typically serves between 120 to 140 people per year. During the past five years, the number generally has been steady and has ranged from 129 to 145, with the busiest months being during April and August, Quinn said.

For those needing housing assistance, Shelter Services, Inc. offers a 14-day emergency stay and provides help and support with budgeting and other money-managing skills. The shelter also works with other organizations such as housing coalitions. The goal of the shelter is to help avoid homelessness, Fisher said.

People needing further assistance after the 14 days and who are willing to work towards their goals are eligible for the transitional housing program, Fisher said.

The transitional housing program also is held at the shelter and gives people the opportunity to pay off their bills and restore credit. The program is case by case, and people can stay for about six months or longer, Fisher said.