Highland County homelessness on the rise; shelter seeks community support
The face of homelessness has changed significantly since I began working at the Highland County Homeless Shelter in 2011.
Homelessness is not just for the most vulnerable of our population. Highland County and the surrounding communities continues to see an increase in the elderly population, young adults leaving the foster care system, men, women, and families losing their housing, due to the lack of affordable housing and the cost of living continuously increasing.
The Highland County Homeless Shelter is also facing looming federal grant cuts and may have to change our business model to continue to operate. This may include decreasing the number of individuals and families we can assist. That said, it will be the last resort taken because I know the services the shelter provides may be a matter of life or death for someone living outside.
In 2024, we assisted over 200 people in need, an increase from 2023. The trend continues in 2025 with so many clients losing their housing that the shelter has already assisted over 120 clients, and it’s only July.
A significant aspect of modern homelessness is the hidden nature of the issue. The clients entering the shelter do not fit into a one-size-that-fits-all traditional image of homelessness. Images that we see in the news of people living on the streets have changed. Our clients are couch surfing, living in motel rooms, living in their cars while maintaining their employment. Pride keeps many of them from seeking services or they believe that someone else may need it more.
At the Highland County Homeless Shelter, we instill in our clients that there is no shame in being homeless and that we as well as many agencies are here to help. Without judgment.
As stated, the face of homelessness is changing, reflecting broader economic trends and societal shifts. It is essential to recognize the diverse experiences of those affected and to advocate for solutions that address the root causes of homelessness, ensuring that safe and affordable housing is accessible to all. The current crisis is not just a problem for the most vulnerable; it is a societal issue that impacts us all.
I ask that you please continue to support the Highland County Homeless Shelter. Your donations make more of a difference than you may ever know. You can help by donating via PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, mail or dropping off your donation at 145 Homestead Ave.
Greg Hawkins, MS/AJS, Executive Director
Highland County Homeless Shelter