Information and Statistics
What does homelessness look like in Polk County?
People experience homelessness in Polk County due to systemic or societal barriers such as:
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A lack of affordable and appropriate housing
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Aging out of the foster care system
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Racism and discrimination
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Family conflict or domestic violence
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A diverse group of individuals and families experience homelessness in our community. Populations represented in the homeless response system include:
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Families,
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Young adults,
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Veterans,
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LGBT community members,
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Those with a disability, and
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Those who are pregnant or parenting.
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While most homelessness services are centered around urban or suburban areas, homelessness also exists in more rural areas of our county.
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*This data, provided by Institute for Community Alliances, is only a snapshot of the data produced by the Polk County, Iowa Point-in-Time Count. The ICA powerpoint presentation of the 2024 Winter Point-In-Time data can be found here. Data from the 2024 Summer Point-In-Time data can be found here.
These numbers come from Point-in-Time Counts, which are conducted in communities across the nation on a single night in January every year. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires communities to submit this data to qualify for federal homeless assistance funds. While it is only a snapshot of a single night, Point-in-Time Count data helps Homeward plan services and identify gaps and needs in the community. The full 2024 Point-in-Time Count Homeward press release can be found here.
The next Polk County Point-in-Time Count will be held in January 2025. To volunteer, please visit our Volunteer Page.