VIGO COUNTY, Ind – The numbers are in and the homeless problem is bigger than many people may think.

A community survey was conducted on July 19 this year within Vigo County to assess the “homeless situation”.

Volunteers visited strategic locations and interviewed people to assess their needs.

Personal hygiene items provided by the Bethany House, water provided by Indiana American Water, bug spray provided by the Vigo County Health Department and other items were distributed as needed.

They survey shows that there are about 372 people staying in hotels, shelters, recovery houses and housing programs for individuals who do not have housing.  This is called “transitional housing”.  Numbers were gained through site visits and phone calls to administrators.

There are 194 people who are living on the street or in non-habitable conditions such as abandoned homes, structures, vehicles.  Numbers were gained through one-on-one interactions.

There appears to be at least 566 people who are homeless in Vigo County alone.