By Amy Sienicki
 
July 15, 2009
 
MEDFORD, Ore. - According to a new federal report, Oregon ranks 1st in the nation in homelessness per capita.
 
According to the report from the department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), there are about 17,000 homeless people in the state.
 
The St. Vincent de Paul soup kitchen in Medford says it's demand is up about 30 percent since January. And the Maslow Project, which serves newborns all the way through to 22-year-olds says its numbers are double what they were this time last year.
 
"I think we're seeing a response to the economy. A lot with our kids who are really struggling to find jobs and to finish school because they're having to take on a lot more adult responsibilities," Maslow Project Founder and Director Mary Ferell said.
 
Southern Oregon has the 2nd largest homeless youth population in the state.
 
Meanwhile, the Medford Gospel Mission however says it is seeing a decrease in the number of men coming through its doors. The director says a lot of people used to find day labor through them, but that's not happening as much anymore. Forcing many people to move up north.