Minnesota Homeless Study

The Minnesota Homeless Study is the most comprehensive source of information to better understand the prevalence of homelessness in Minnesota, as well as the circumstances of those experiencing homelessness. The Minnesota Homeless Study is recognized as unique in the nation for its wide-spread use, as well as its partnerships with urban, suburban, and rural community organizations and tribal nations.

Your gift to the MN Homeless study makes it possible to conduct our state’s largest and most widely-utilized study of people experiencing homelessness. Every three years since 1991, Wilder Research conducts a statewide study to better understand the prevalence of homelessness across Minnesota and the  circumstances of those experiencing it. The most recent study took place on October 26, 2023 is providing critical insights into the current state of homelessness in Minnesota, but crucial work still lies ahead! 

Help accelerate the work of Wilder Research:

Your gift will be matched 2 to 1 by an anonymous matching fund of $15,000. 

This means every $1 donated will leverage an additional $2 in support for the MN Homeless Study.

Turning data into Action

Your support remains vital for the Minnesota Homeless Study, supporting the development of population and topic-specific reports, enabling meaningful conversations and presentations, and getting the data into the hands of people who will advance solutions. Now is the most impactful time to donate.

Read our 2023 initial Study Results here.

Your Gift Matters

Your contribution helps transform this raw data into actionable insights, empowering policymakers, service providers, and advocates to address homelessness with targeted, effective solutions. Findings continue to show both progress and challenges: while overall homelessness has declined since 2018, the number of older adults experiencing homelessness has increased by 7%. Families with children account for nearly half of the homeless population, and one-third of those affected are not in formal shelters. By understanding these findings, we can make informed decisions that drive meaningful change.

Each gift ensures that the findings reach the people who can act on them—policymakers and service providers who can turn this information into life-changing programs. Your contribution directly fuels efforts to reduce homelessness in Minnesota and fosters a future where everyone has a safe place to call home.

“In recent years, data from the study has guided our leadership’s strategic decision-making about where to expand programs and services, informed our agency response to the COVID pandemic, and shaped our multi-year campaign to develop more trauma-informed, health-focused programs for homeless individuals of all ages.” - Jessica Meyerson, Chief Accountability Officer, Catholic Charities Twin Cities

Statewide Impact

The findings from this study will inform housing policies and programs statewide, meaning your donation has the power to create lasting change across Minnesota. Your support improves services in both urban and rural communities, ensuring that people of all ages and backgrounds have the opportunity to access safe and stable housing.

Without your support, this essential analysis cannot happen. Your gift makes sure these findings are effectively utilized, driving programs and services that make a real difference. Together, we can help reduce homelessness and create a future where everyone has access to safe and stable housing.

Give Today

Join us in this vital work toward a future where every Minnesotan has a place to call home. Your generosity fuels the work that creates meaningful change.

Keep up with the latest study news at mnhomeless.org