SNAPS In Focus: Ending Homelessness in Rural America
The Office of Special Needs Assistance Programs (SNAPS) is coordinating with the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) and other federal partners to bring rural communities to the forefront as we launch our rural strategy – All Routes Home: Ending Homelessness in Rural America . Here is a summary of some of the housing challenges facing rural areas: Over one-third of rural rental units are at least 55 years old. 3.6% of homes lack complete plumbing (double the national average). Substandard living conditions, such as poor insulation, often lead to financial strain from high utility costs . 1.3 million renters in suburban and non-metro rural areas are experiencing worst case housing needs (roughly 15% of the total), per HUD’s latest Worst Case Housing Needs Report . In the past, HUD has often used Balance of State and Statewide Continuums of Care (CoCs) as a proxy definition for rural communities. A quick look at the 2017 Point-in-Time (PIT) count shows that ...