Homelessness in Minnesota
Through its triennial statewide study and ongoing shelter system use reports, Wilder Research provides the most current and comprehensive information and data on homelessness in Minnesota.
In addition, Wilder Research conducts evaluations on programs serving the homeless population. Reports from these evaluations are available in our
publications section of this website.
Since 1991, Wilder Research has conducted a triennial statewide homelessness study to better understand the prevalence, causes, circumstances and effects of homelessness, and to promote efforts toward permanent, affordable housing for all Minnesotans.
The study includes counts and estimates of the number of people who are homeless, and a survey of homeless people. The survey involves more than 1,000 volunteers who interview individuals and families throughout the state living in shelters, transitional housing programs, drop-in service locations, and non-shelter locations such as encampments and abandoned buildings. The study is an independent initiative of Wilder Research in partnership with public and private funders and in-kind support from service providers throughout the state.
Study Results
Homeless Services Use reports
HMIS (Homeless Management Information System) is managed by Wilder Research in Minnesota. HMIS continuously collects information from organizations providing services ranging from prevention and emergency shelters to transitional and permanent supportive housing to provide a better understanding of service capacity, patterns of use and outcomes, and demographics of who is using what type of services.