In the heart of southern Minnesota, the city of Mankato is often seen as a growing, family-friendly community. But beneath the surface lies a quieter crisis—homelessness—that continues to affect individuals and families in ways many don’t see. While some may picture homelessness as someone sleeping on a park bench, the reality in Mankato is often much more complex. People sleep in cars, stay in overcrowded apartments, or move from one temporary arrangement to another, all while trying to hold onto a sense of normalcy. 

Maria, a mother of two, never imagined she’d be homeless. “I was working full time,” she said. “I just couldn’t afford the rent when prices went up. We were staying with friends, but it wasn’t permanent.” Her story isn’t unique. Many in Mankato are working or attending school while navigating housing insecurity. These are the stories often missed in official counts or public conversations. According to local data, the number of people experiencing homelessness has been steadily increasing in Blue Earth County, and organizations on the frontlines are feeling the pressure. 

Partners for Affordable Housing and the Salvation Army Mankato are among the few local shelters trying to meet the growing need. Staff members describe long waiting lists, limited resources, and the challenge of helping people with complex needs—such as mental health concerns or past trauma. “We see people every day who are doing everything they can to survive,” one caseworker shared. “They just need a little support to get back on their feet.” 

Youth homelessness is also a rising concern. School liaisons report that students without stable housing often hide their situations out of shame or fear. “They’re worried about being judged or getting taken away from their families,” said a Mankato Area Public Schools staff member. These students might sleep on a friend’s couch one night and in a car the next, all while trying to keep up with classes. 

Local reports show a shortage of affordable housing options in the region, with many units out of reach for minimum wage earners. At the same time, inflation and rising utility costs are pushing more people into difficult financial situations. For people already living paycheck to paycheck, even a small setback—like a car repair or medical bill—can lead to housing loss. 

But there are signs of hope. Community leaders, volunteers, and nonprofit groups are stepping up. Efforts to expand shelter capacity and affordable housing programs are underway. Grassroots organizations are hosting supply drives, offering mobile outreach, and advocating for policy change. One volunteer said, “It’s not just about providing a bed for the night. It’s about treating people with dignity, listening to them, and making sure they’re not invisible.” 

To write this story, I’ve gathered information through interviews with individuals who’ve experienced homelessness, visited local organizations, and reviewed reports and articles from sources like The Free Press. I’ve walked around downtown Mankato and surrounding areas, observing where homelessness is most visible, and spoken to those who work on the ground every day. 

What I’ve learned is this: homelessness in Mankato isn’t just a statistic. It’s people. People with names, dreams, and stories. By sharing their voices—alongside the facts—I hope to help others see the full picture. This issue isn’t hopeless, but it does require awareness, empathy, and action. Together, we can build a community where everyone has a safe place to call home. 

Addressing homelessness in Mankato requires a combination of immediate support and long-term strategies. One of the most pressing needs is the expansion of affordable housing, as many individuals and families are priced out of the rental market despite working full-time jobs. Building more low-income housing units and offering incentives to landlords can help close this gap. At the same time, increasing emergency shelter capacity is essential, especially during harsh weather or times of crisis, when existing facilities are often at full capacity. But housing alone isn't enough—many people experiencing homelessness also need access to support services like mental health care, addiction recovery programs, job training, and trauma counseling to help them stay housed and rebuild stability. Prevention programs can also play a critical role, offering rental assistance, eviction prevention, and emergency funds to those on the brink of losing their housing. For youth and families, targeted services such as school-based support, transitional housing, and safe shelter options can make a life-changing difference. Equally important is educating the broader community to reduce stigma and foster empathy—people are more likely to support change when they understand the human stories behind the issue. Finally, stronger collaboration between local nonprofits, government agencies, schools, and healthcare providers can ensure that resources are used efficiently and no one falls through the cracks. By combining compassion with coordinated action, Mankato can take meaningful steps toward reducing homelessness and helping more people find a place to call home.