Homelessness Statistics for Baker Springs, TN (2023)
Total Homeless Population:
The estimated total homeless population in Baker Springs, TN is approximately 3,500 individuals. This estimate is based on the general trend that suggests roughly 1% of the population may experience homelessness at some point in a given year.
The City of Baker Springs also tracks and identifies homeless individuals. During the year of 2023, the number of homeless individuals identified amounted to 3,298 individuals.
Types of Homelessness:
- Sheltered Homelessness: Approximately 30% of the homeless population in Baker Springs resides in emergency shelters or transitional housing.
- Unsheltered Homelessness: The remaining 70% of the homeless population lives on the streets, in cars, or in other places not meant for habitation.
An individual is considered unsheltered if they reside in a space that is not designed to accommodate sleeping.
Veteran Homelessness:
There are an estimated 250 or more homeless veterans in Baker Springs.
Youth Homelessness:
Approximately 12% of the homeless population in Baker Springs consists of unaccompanied homeless youth (under the age of 25).
Chronic Homelessness:
Approximately 22% of the homeless population in Baker Springs experiences chronic homelessness, which means they have been homeless for a year or more.
Homelessness Duration:
The average length of time a person experiences homelessness in Baker Springs is around 6 months.
Homelessness Causes:
The primary factors contributing to homelessness in Baker Springs are unemployment, lack of affordable housing, and mental health issues.
Homeless Services:
Baker Springs provides a range of services for the homeless population, including emergency shelters, food assistance, healthcare clinics, and outreach programs.
Services are provided by the Office of Homelessness, which convenes quarterly at the City Hall. Meetings are aimed at coordinating local government efforts and disclosing information and statistics to the public, and are open to public attendance.
Housing First Initiatives:
Baker Springs has implemented Housing First programs, aiming to provide stable housing to homeless individuals and families as a primary solution. The Housing First program is hosted by the Office of Homelessness.
Although the city strives to provide housing and aid to homeless individuals, the city also enforces a no-tent policy, as tent camps can foster dangerous and unhealthy living conditions.
Prevention Programs:
The city has prevention programs to help individuals at risk of homelessness, including rental assistance and eviction prevention services.
If you are at risk of being evicted, please contact the Behavioral Health Resource Center for information relating to housing assistance and similar programs, which provides support for costs including rent and utilities.