A new report by the Department of Housing and Urban Development shows homelessness trends in America are changing, especially in some rural areas like Eastern Kentucky.

Executive Director of the Hazard Perry County Community Ministries, D.W. Bouchard, says, "The old notion of homelessness isn't fitting where we are right now."
What used to be predominantly an urban and inner city problem, is now finding its way to rural and suburban areas. Bouchard says that the ones suffering are not who you may expect.

"The number of families that we are encountering, the number of families who are reaching out to us, has gone up significantly since January." Organizations in Perry County are doing what they can to combat the rising number of homeless people.

The Community Ministries homeless shelter helps provide comfort to individuals and families in tough times by keeping their pantry stocked to help feed hungry people. The increase in families seeking help is not surprising to Jenny Lewis, who says that it can happen easier than some might think.

"You lose your job, you can't pay your bills, you can't pay your rent, then you're evicted, and then you're homeless."
Lewis, who is a case manager with Community Ministries, says it's difficult to see people suffer. "I see so much stuff that...it's hard to say. You don't learn to accept it, you just learn how to deal with it."

Officials say people in Eastern Kentucky always come together during hard times, and the Hazard Perry County Community Ministries say they need more donations,
and volunteers are welcome.

If you would like to help out, call (606)436-2662.