Addressing Homelessness in Stark County

Many believe that simply building more shelters will solve Stark County’s homelessness crisis. After all, more beds mean fewer people on the streets—right?

But according to Marcie Bragg, executive director of the Stark Housing Network, Inc. (SHNI), that assumption overlooks the bigger picture.

“If we don’t have exit strategies for individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness, building another shelter won’t fix the issue,” she explains. “There’s not a quick, easy fix. Homelessness is different—it’s systemic.”

At its core, homelessness isn’t just about lacking a roof over one’s head. It’s tied to deeper issues—affordable housing shortages, mental health struggles, job instability and cycles of poverty that make it difficult for people to regain their footing. Without long-term solutions, shelters risk becoming revolving doors rather than stepping stones to stability.

SHNI also serves as the backbone for the Homeless Continuum of Care of Stark County (HCCSC)—a coalition of individuals and organizations working together to address homelessness through coordinated policies and strategies. HCCSC coordinates efforts for emergency shelters, permanent housing programs and essential services like mental health care, substance use disorder treatment and job training.

Critically, SHNI secures and manages approximately $5 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The funding is distributed by HUD to organizations across Stark County, ensuring resources are available for those working on the frontlines of the homelessness crisis.

The Rise in Homelessness
Homelessness is rising in Stark County, reflecting the growing national crisis. Local shelters are at capacity, leaving many without a safe place to stay.

In 2024, a single-night count recorded 330 people experiencing homelessness across Canton, Massillon and Alliance. This point-in-time count—conducted every January and required by HUD—provides a snapshot of both sheltered individuals (those in shelters and transitional housing) and those living unsheltered on the streets. The numbers have steadily climbed from the 234 individuals
recorded in 2021 and 247 in 2022.

“It’s vital to remember that behind every statistic representing homelessness, there are real individuals with unique stories and struggles,” Marcie emphasizes. “When someone experiences homelessness, multiple systems and supports have broken down.”

Recently, city officials and service providers compassionately dismantled an encampment in southwest Canton, connecting its 24 residents—some between jobs, a woman eight months pregnant and another fleeing domestic violence—with resources and support for more permanent housing solutions. The situation highlighted the need to balance public health and safety with the dignity and well-being of those affected.

Understanding the causes
While mental health conditions often come to mind when discussing homelessness, Marcie stresses that the issue is far more complex.

“It’s not always significant mental health challenges, like some believe,” she says.

Several factors push people into unstable living situations, including:

• Affordable housing shortages: Stark County, like many communities, lacks affordable housing. Rising rents and stagnant wages make securing stable housing increasingly difficult. For reference, affordable housing means spending no more than 30% of your income on rent or mortgage.
• Economic inequality: Financial strain—worsened by inflation and the pandemic—leaves low-income families vulnerable to homelessness after job losses or unexpected emergencies.
• Shelter capacity: Overcrowded shelters often deter individuals who may choose to remain unsheltered rather than face the conditions or rules at shelters that don’t meet their needs.
• Mental health and substance use: While not universal, mental health conditions and substance use disorders can make it harder for individuals to maintain housing without proper support.

A Path Forward
SHNI and HCCSC are committed to long-term solutions. Their model prioritizes securing stable housing before addressing other challenges, such as employment, mental health care or substance use treatment.

“Without stable, safe housing, it’s nearly impossible to improve mental and physical health, secure employment or build a better future,” shared Marcie.

In addition to housing solutions, HCCSC is investing in workforce initiatives. Recognizing that high turnover and burnout among homeless service providers can weaken support systems, SHNI is using grant funding to enhance workforce development. This project aims to educate, upskill and retain staff through strategic training, conferences, webinars and more so they can better serve those in need.

“Those serving people experiencing homelessness not only witness but absorb the deep trauma of those they help,” added Marcie. “It is crucial to support this workforce, as they stand on the front lines, carrying the weight of Stark County’s most vulnerable residents and working to restore hope where it’s needed most.”

Another project the coalition is focused on is improving the coordinated entry process. Currently, those seeking shelter must call a homeless hotline, sometimes waiting up to 30 minutes or more for assistance. With a consultant’s help, SHNI is exploring ways to streamline this system using technology, ensuring faster, more efficient support for vulnerable individuals.

As Stark County grapples with rising homelessness, the solution lies not in simply building more shelters but in creating comprehensive, lasting strategies. With SHNI and HCCSC working hand in hand—securing funding, supporting providers and pushing for systemic change—there’s hope for a future where fewer people face life without a safe, consistent place to call home.

Learn more at starkcountyhomeless.org.