Homeless count up by 38 percent

Homelessness has risen by 38 percent in Alachua County in the past year despite receiving more attention from city officials.

According to a study by the Alachua County Coalition for the Homeless and Hungry, the number of homeless schoolchildren has also increased to a total of 415.

“That’s unbelievable,” said Kent Vann, executive director of St. Francis House. “I think it shows how far people have fallen because of the economy.”

Max Tipping, executive director of the coalition, said the rise represents a combination of a low minimum wage, lack of affordable housing and countywide unemployment that hovers around 8 percent.

“For most people, it’s a slow slide,” he said. “By the time you hit the streets, you don’t have anything left.”