Cincinnati faces dramatic rise in homeless families, shelters overwhelmed

By: Christian Hauser, WKRC

A stark increase in the number of homeless families in Cincinnati was presented to the Equitable Housing and Growth Committee on Tuesday, highlighting a dire situation where the majority of these families are unable to access shelters when they need them most.

Leaders from Bethany House Services, Strategies to End Homelessness, Found House, and the YWCA of Greater Cincinnati, the region’s largest service network for homeless families, addressed the committee.

“We wanted city council to really understand how important the support of the city is in making sure that families are safe when they become homeless,” said Peg Dierkers, CEO of Bethany House Services.