Homelessness in Rochester is worsening due to rising rents, income disparities, and a housing shortage, according to local experts. Michael Gilbert, director of development for the Salvation Army of Greater Rochester, emphasized that homelessness can affect anyone.
The Salvation Army operates shelters with 57 beds, but they serve only a small fraction of the over 1,000 homeless individuals in the city, as noted in the January 2024 count.
Nicholas Coulter, co-founder of Person-Centered Housing Options, observed a local increase in homelessness, with numbers expected to rise further.
He attributed this trend to escalating rent costs, leading families to lose income and eventually face homelessness.
Notably, there’s a rising number of homeless individuals among African Americans, seniors over 60, and families with children.
The Salvation Army provides various services, including shelter and support, to address these challenges. Updated homelessness figures are anticipated in April from the January 2025 count.
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