COLUMBUS — A growing shortage of affordable housing caused homelessness in Ohio to rise by 3.7% over one year, according to a recent report.
Data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, collected during a single night in January 2025, revealed that at least 12,196 Ohioans were experiencing homelessness. The findings were published in the federal agency’s Annual Homelessness Assessment Report.
Amy Riegel, executive director of the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio, stated that the lack of affordable apartments is the primary driver of the increase. She noted that typical rents for two-bedroom apartments in Ohio jumped 23% between 2021 and 2026. This surge, combined with the rising costs of daily necessities like food, transportation, and healthcare, has pushed more residents out of their homes…