Who is Homeless in Mercer County?

The homeless of Mercer County include a significant portion of single men and a smaller number of single women. About a quarter of the homeless are families. They may live in emergency shelters, abandoned buildings, under bridges, in cars and in parks.

For planning purposes, we divide our target population into three groups

Chronic Homeless

People are considered chronically homeless when they have been living in a shelter or on the streets for a year or more or have had multiple episodes of homelessness. We offer them apartments in the community. Crucial to their success is a personal case manager, who connects them to services that help them to remain stable in their homes. Housing First

Currently Homeless

We are committed to rapidly rehousing those who become homeless and keeping their stay in shelter as short as possible. City, county, state and federal funds are being pooled for this purpose. Rapid Rehousing

Potentially Homeless

We are preventing homelessness by targeting public resources to those who need them most. A pilot project is identifying those most likely to become homeless and working intensively with them to prevent that outcome. Other resources go to people facing a one-time housing crisis, so that they do not lose their homes. We also help low-wage workers collect tax rebates that are due to them. Prevent Homelessness

Sub-Populations Experiencing Homelessness

Domestic Violence survivors

Special care is needed to work with women and their families in the aftermath of violence. With an adequate supply of rental apartments, these families can move to new homes in the community.

Single Parents/ Families

Moms and families are served by Housing First, Rapid Rehousing and various prevention programs.

Veterans

The military is committed to housing veterans who become homeless. Residential options exist for veterans in Mercer County.

Ex-offenders

Those returning from jail or prison face many obstacles to employment and housing. The Reentry Committee of the Human Services Advisory Council is leveraging resources and advocating for policy changes that will keep this vulnerable population from becoming homeless. Case managers and job developers play a central role in helping ex-offenders become self-sufficient once more.

Youth/Foster Care

Youth aging out of foster care need a variety of housing options and services to keep them on track to independence and self-sufficiency.

Low-wage Workers

We build relationships with employers to remove any stigma that may be connected to hiring a formerly homeless person. If you are an employer looking to hire, contact our Executive Director.

We advocate for a meaningful increase in the minimum wage, linked to inflation.

We help low-wage workers increase their assets by applying for Earned Income Tax Credits. This campaign brings millions of dollars to Mercer County residents each year.

Foreclosures

People facing foreclosure are urged to avoid refinancing scams and seek only HUD-approved counseling at the earliest possible opportunity.

Renters in a building that has been foreclosed are protected from eviction. They should seek the assistance of qualified public interest attorneys to learn more about their rights.

The Annual Homeless Count

The Alliance counts the homeless each year on a day in late January. This gives us a one-day census only. Our research suggests that up to three times this number may become homeless in the course of a year. The Jan 2010 homeless count in Mercer County was:

(Trenton / Mercer County COC – 2009 Point In Time Data)

Mercer County Point In Time Summaries

• 2011
• 2010
• 2009
• 2008
• 2007