Twelve people in Shawano County were identified as homeless in a count taken Jan. 29.
Amanda Anderson, community access director for NEWCAP, which coordinated the count for Oconto, Marinette, Menominee, Shawano and Florence counties, said only one person, in Oconto County, was found living outside a shelter in the five-county area.
The highest homelessness numbers were reported in Menominee County, with 27 individuals in shelters, followed by Shawano County with 12 and Marinette County with six. No individuals were found to be homeless in Florence County.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requires counts be conducted on the last Wednesday in January and July, and the results are used to evaluate the scope of local homelessness, engage in program development and assist in determining future funding for the community.
Of the 46 reported in the January count, 36 were living with family members, and nine were singles. The age and gender of the people were not released.
According to Anderson, the homeless person in Oconto County was a man living in a vehicle.
Anderson said the count was performed by 19 volunteers, with help from police and other agencies, who drove around from 10 p.m. to midnight looking in places that homeless people might be found.
NEWCAP is part of the Future of Housing Continuum of Care, which is composed of local social service agencies and nonprofit organizations committed to eliminating homelessness and improving housing options.