During the recent Homeless Task Force meeting in Carbon County, officials reported a pressing need for shelter and housing assistance as the community grapples with rising homelessness. Currently, six families and one single woman are residing in local shelters, with expectations to reach full capacity by Monday. However, the situation remains critical, with over 100 families on the waiting list for assistance.

The meeting highlighted the challenges faced by service providers, who have received 134 calls for help since April, including 22 from individuals experiencing street homelessness. Despite efforts to enroll 46 households in case management, many callers do not follow up, leaving service providers concerned about their well-being and whereabouts.

Participants discussed the limitations of their resources, emphasizing the need for better tracking of repeat callers to understand the ongoing demand for services. Approximately 25% of callers are believed to be repeat requests for assistance, complicating the task of addressing the community's needs effectively.

The conversation also touched on the shift in focus from rapid rehousing to homelessness prevention, as the rising costs of housing continue to strain resources. Officials noted that the current housing market poses significant barriers to finding affordable options for those in need.

As the task force continues to address these challenges, they plan to collaborate with the coordinated entry committee to gather more data on homelessness in the area. This information will be crucial in shaping future strategies to support vulnerable residents and improve access to essential services. The meeting underscored the urgent need for community action and resources to combat homelessness in Carbon County.