Homelessness isn’t just an urban problem

As a state that prides itself on “equality,” we, as Wyomingites, must ask: Can resources be accessed equally? To understand why many Wyoming families are struggling, start with housing. Rising rents and shrinking resources show that hard work alone can no longer keep pace. These growing challenges have led to increased homelessness, yet stigma frames it as a personal shortcoming instead of a focus on policy breakdown. That narrative contradicts the Cowboy Code’s spirit — where we “take care of our own” and “do what has to be done” by confronting problems head-on, such as homelessness and an inadequate social safety net. 

To put this into perspective, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development estimated that in 2024, Wyoming had the highest rate of unaccompanied youth in the country (20%), and further reported over 500 individuals experiencing homelessness at that time. But advocates warn those numbers are likely low, because HUD does a point-in-time count of people staying at shelters, transitional housing programs, or places not meant for habitation, like their cars. What about those who fall into homelessness after that count or who are crashing on a friend’s floor. The problem could be worse than it seems. So, what does this mean for our future? Without a real understanding of the problem, homelessness rates are likely to increase and affordable housing is likely to be less of a priority.

The image of homelessness is often people living on the street in densely populated cities, which leaves the struggles of rural states hidden in plain sight. And as HUD points out, places like Wyoming are up against unique barriers; there are too few shelters, limited social services and resources spread thin across vast distances.

Additionally, homelessness in Wyoming is driven by multiple, overlapping pressures: high rents that outweigh wages, a shortage of affordable housing, and challenges such as mental health struggles and substance use. These hardships are only intensified by Wyoming’s brutal winters, which make life on the streets not just difficult but dangerous. According to Wyoming’s Administration and Information, rental costs in 2024 increased to more than $1,000 a month, which is a complex barrier for anyone earning Wyoming’s minimum wage. Yet cultural and political resistance to raising wages persists, often framed as a matter of personal responsibility. The truth is when full-time work can’t cover the basics, the problem isn’t personal failure — it’s a fixed system that refuses to match up with the cost of living. 

Addressing the homelessness crisis requires a multidimensional, prolonged approach, but with consistency and integration, it is a manageable task. 

First, promoting access to affordable housing is essential. Programs such as the Wyoming Community Development Authority and Housing First have proven effective for some Wyoming towns. Those programs could expand to benefit the homeless population statewide. 

Second, raising awareness and increasing funding for mental health services and addiction treatment is also extremely significant. The key here is to understand that while these services may be available, they may not be affordable. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, in 2021, there were 20,000 Wyoming locals who did not receive appropriate mental health care; 52.6% of this population did not seek care due to the cost. Keep in mind, these services aim to promote safety and stability within society. 

Lastly, collaboration with the state of Wyoming’s governing officials, nonprofit organizations and local advocates could help promote inclusivity and build a uniform understanding of the seriousness of such social problems.

Equally important, Wyoming must confront the stigma surrounding homelessness and start advocating policy change rather than isolation and marginalization. By investing in sustainable solutions and standing with those struggling, the Equality State could live up to its name in more than words, and more importantly, exemplify human decency toward those who are struggling.