Advocates: More homeless than counted

VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTHI) - Federal stats show more than 80,000 families are without a home.

Those numbers are criticized and homeless advocates say they're not correct.

Here's why, agencies are given one day in their community to do a homeless count but how do you count those who don't reach out?

Dottye Crippen of the Bethany House said there are more homeless people in this area than you think but the government also has strict guidelines as to who you can count as homeless.

They must be literally living on the streets, or in a motel being paid for by an agency, in a shelter or in a jail with no where else to go.

However, as News 10 has learned, homelessness comes in many forms, from sofa surfing to temporary house-sitting, anyone who doesn't know where they'll sleep tomorrow.

"Realize just how big of a problem it is in Terre Haute, it's bigger than anybody realizes and we need more volunteers and more money than what we're currently getting to help those people,” Crippen said.

News 10 has been getting a lot of feedback from you about this special report and you can help.

Advocates say even if you don't have the money to give, there are so many other ways to help.

You can get in touch with local shelters and offer transportation for those who are homeless and trying to get to work.

It's as simple as offering your services in helping stock, clean, even paint some local shelters.