WPRO News and the Associated Press
Rhode Island has received a B letter grade from advocates for the homeless after data released showed a decline in the homeless population.
The Rhode Island Coalition for the Homeless released the most recent data from the state’s Homeless Management Information System on Thursday at the Smith Hill Community Development Center.
Chairman Eric Hirsch says the total number of people who spent at least one night at a homeless shelter declined 8.5 percent last year.
“The good news is that the total number of people who entered a homeless shelter for at least one night has declined from 4,447 in 2013 to 4,076,” said Hirsch.
In 2012, the homeless population in Rhode Island was 4,868.
The advocacy group graded Rhode Island on its homeless policies for the second year in a row. The state showed improvement in four out of the five categories, with economic security in the state still being a limiting factor. The Coalition for the Homeless gave the state a C+ last year.
Hirsch says the recent upturn in the economy might be the cause for decreased homelessness. He says people who cannot cover the entire cost of rent might be able to at least contribute now.
