Amid rising concerns over homelessness, recent data highlights a troubling trend in the increase of individuals experiencing homelessness. Since 2025, there has been an almost 10% rise, with numbers climbing from 542 to 594. Over the past five years, this figure has surged by 85%, as reported by the Point in Time data. This pattern is not isolated but rather reflects a national issue, attributed in part to the rollback of pandemic-era federal housing programs, including the American Rescue Plan Act, CARES Act, and Emergency Rental Assistance, according to Brackenhoff.
In the city of Lincoln, the Housing Inventory Count survey revealed a 90% utilization rate of 42 housing programs. Notably, People’s City Mission reported the highest utilization rate, while the rapid re-housing program achieved full capacity at 100%. According to Brackenhoff, these rates vary annually.
Brackenhoff commented on the situation, stating, “There’s definitely a shortage of housing services, especially programs exiting from shelter, so like permanent supportive housing. But it’s also showing that we’re using the resources we have.”
In an effort to address these challenges, the CCFL has engaged with “Right at Home,” a preventative program introduced in August to combat homelessness proactively. Impressively, 90% of participants have maintained stable housing two years post-program involvement. Furthermore, the CCFL has secured $5 million in funding to develop a homeless prevention system over the next three years.
