Falls from an estimated 9,291 in 2011 to 7,772 in 2012
A new report from the Department of Housing and Urban Development says the homeless population in Lousiana has dropped 16% this year from 2011, falling by 1,569 to a statewide total of 7,772.
The number is based on data collected on a single night in January by 3,000 communities across the country.
Nationwide there was a marginal, 0.4% decrease in the homeless population.
Five states accounted for nearly half the country's homeless population this year: California (20.7%), New York (11%), Florida (8.7%), Texas (5.4%) and Georgia (3.2%).
Reductions in the homeless population are attributed in part by HUD to programs designed to assist veterans and individuals and families confronted by a sudden economic crisis.
