Increase in homeless families seen in Boston

By David Abel

The number of homeless families in Boston has increased for the third straight year, the mayor's office said today in a statement.

In last month’s annual census of the city’s homeless population, city officials counted 3,084 people in homeless families, a 17 percent rise over 2006.

While the number of homeless individuals -- those without families in tow -- declined by nearly 5 percent, the city’s overall homeless population rose to 6,091 people, or 4 percent more than in 2006.

In the last 15 years, the city's homeless population has increased by nearly 57 percent.

Mayor Thomas M. Menino said more state and federal funding is needed to help homeless families.

The federal government should "recognize the growing crisis in family homelessness" and provide more funding, Menino said in a statement.

Jim Greene, director of the city's Emergency Shelter Commission, said the "housing picture for low-income families continues to be bleak without greater federal and state aid."

Menino was one of hundreds who participated in the 28th Annual City of Boston Homeless Census on Dec. 18.

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