The number of families that Dakota Woodlands serves does not significantly change from year to year. At any given time, we shelter 22 families with different backgrounds, cultures, emotional and physical challenges, ages, skills, and strengths. Each family has unique circumstances, needs and issues related to homelessness.

In 2010: 

• We sheltered 116 families in our 22 bedrooms.
• The average family size was 2.2 members. 
• 54% of our residents were White/Caucasian.
• Similar to last year, 78% of the residents stayed at Dakota Woodlands for more than 30 days (the limit of most shelters). The average length of stay was 67 days.
• 37% of single mothers were under the age of 25.
• We assisted 125 children in 2010; 61% (76) newborn through preschool aged children, 26% (33) who were 6-12 years old and 13% (16) teenagers. 
• Our residents have experienced so many transitions and lack of stability. 28% are considered to be experiencing long-term homelessness, meaning they have been homeless for more than a year or have been homeless 4 times in the past 3 years.
• Over half (57%) of our residents came to the shelter from a friends or families home.
• When they move in, clearly the families don’t have economic security. Family income is very low and for many, they have absolutely no income.  Through our educational and supportive services, most improve their income by the time they leave here to move the their new home.