Milwaukee County homeless numbers better than national trends, severe housing shortage still a concern

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- With temperatures dropping into the teens, people in Milwaukee experiencing homelessness are at even greater risk.

A new federal study shows there was a sharp increase in homelessness in 2024 across the country.

The good news is Milwaukee's trends are stronger than some of the national numbers.

But the bad news is the root causes of homelessness -the lack of affordable housing, in particular- are likely here to stay for years to come.

As frigid temperatures returned to the area this week, a smattering of tents throughout Milwaukee stand as a reminder not everyone can escape the cold.

Milwaukee County Housing Administrator James Mathy said it's caused by one factor above all others: a severe shortage of affordable housing, especially rental units.

Mathy told us, "We are short thousands and thousands of units in the Milwaukee area. So it's going to take years, I think, for us to dig out of this hole."

A federally required study released by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development shows homelessness spiked 18% across the country in 2024.

But the numbers in Milwaukee actually decreased in 2024.

Mathy said after a local rise in 2023, the county re-worked some of its programs. "So we really did a major investment in landlord engagement and housing navigation."

The LIFT program aims to educate landlords about the benefits of renting through the county's homeless programs, which could provide the landlords more stability.

Mathy said, "We can offer double security deposits, damage waivers, referral bonuses. Some unique programs we just started."

But in addition to not having enough supply, major increases in the cost of rent for existing units are straining the system and pricing people out.

"We're seeing a lot of trends where folks that are homeless, sleeping outside in cars, have jobs. And some of them full-time jobs," Mathy told us.

Mathy says, typically, people spend about 30% of their income on housing. But soaring rent prices are claiming more of that share.

According to the HUD study, more than 5,000 Wisconsinites experienced homelessness in 2024, an increase of 3.9%.

But there is some positive news: the number of veterans who are homeless in the US dropped 8% to the lowest number on record.

In the long run, Mathy hopes the area can increase the supply of permanent housing through new construction.

But in the year ahead, he hopes to educate landlords about the county's programs, to help people find existing rental units.

"The only way to reduce and end homelessness is through permanent housing and supportive services," he said.

Milwaukee County's Housing Services outreach team is out day and night trying to connect people with shelter and services.