LONGVIEW, Texas — Local shelters and nonprofits are seeing an increase in families and a youth population coming into their doors for assistance year-round.
"They come in for showers, they come in to eat breakfast or lunch," said
Amanda Veasy, founder and director of One Love Longview, said most people that come in for their services are homeless.
"Around 80-85% of our clientele are elderly or have some sort of disability. Families [are] experiencing homelessness within the last few years," Veasy said.
According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, adults and children in families make up about 30% of the homeless population in America. Just over 17,000 people in families are living on the street or in a car, according to NAEH.
Hiway 80 Rescue Mission in Longview said they've seen an increase in the youth population coming into their building.
"To kind of paint you a picture of what that looks like, if you can imagine an entire family unit living in a car. That’s a reality for many folks in our community," Veasy said.
It's a reality that is a nightmare for many who aren’t able to rent a home or apartment for themselves or their family.
"Maybe they have a criminal history or past eviction where they are not able to work with them," Veasy said. "That’s a huge barrier that we see especially among the population that has the ability to work and gain housing on their own is that you have to make three times the rent in order to qualify in most places."
One Love Longview is equipped to help people in need. There's a play place set up for kids as their parents work with staff on finding a home for the cold winters and hot summers.
"The families that come in will often utilize our shower or laundry services and a ton of case management," Veasy said.
For more information on One Love Longview click HERE.