GREEN BAY, WI -- City and county leaders are working on finding solutions to counter a growing homeless population, in Brown County.
Tonight, a candlelight vigil was held to remember 11 people who died in Green Bay in 2015 while experiencing homelessness.
Green Bay homeless shelter coordinators say they first noticed a rise in this year's homeless numbers back in July, during a count that put the population between 400 to 500 people.
The latest figures have all five of Green Bay's homeless shelters running near, or at capacity this winter.
"Across the way here, at St. John the Evangelist homeless shelter, our numbers have definitely been up this year," says Tony Pichler, of St. John the Evangelist homeless shelter.
Pichler says fixing the issue goes beyond adding another temporary shelter.
"The biggest issue, by far, is affordable housing," says Pichler.
Pichler says there are vouchers, and other state and local subsidies, that help people afford a low-income roof over their heads.
"There's not enough housing to go around for people searching for it," says Pichler, "at the cost that they need to be able to find it."
"It's been a problem in Green Bay for quite a while," adds Green Bay Dist. 7 Alderman Randy Scannell, who also attended Monday night's vigil.
Scannell says, along with affordable housing, ending the city's homeless problem also means more mental health, and addiction services.
"I'd like to see year-round housing for the homeless," says Scannell, "and I'd like to see us have a wet house for alcohol addiction.. specifically."
Brown County recently approved funding for more mental health services for the homeless in its last budget, which Scannell calls a step in the right direction.
