Annual Point-in-Time Count sheds light on homeless population
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, more than 750,000 people experienced homelessness on a single night in January of 2024. That's an eight percent increase from 2023.
Volunteers hit the ground running Wednesday morning, in hopes of meeting the unhoused population out in the community, bringing everyday essentials, like sleeping bags, tents, and food in an effort to meet immediate needs.
'Living in an alley' Terre Haute homeless share their experience
Local organizations came together to participate in the 2025 PIT. It's a nationwide effort to assess the number of individuals experiencing homelessness.
'It's a snapshot in time, it's a one-day count,' Kelly Fuller Chair of the Homeless Coalition of the Wabash Valley said. 'So, it starts at midnight and goes through midnight,' she added.
In Vigo County, the Homeless Council of the Wabash Valley helps put on the count, and local shelters like Pathways Day Center plays a central role in the process, serving as a hub.
The PIT Count, which occurs annually in January, is crucial for helping local governments and organizations understand the scope of homelessness in their communities. The data collected guides funding decisions, policy-making, and the allocation of resources for homelessness services.
'They look at the service gaps for housing and funding to meet those needs and then as a coalition we go back and look at any other needs. Do they have hygiene needs, do they have toilet paper? Which seems like a normal thing for anyone else, but that's like gold for people that are not housed,' Fuller said.
In Terre Haute, Reach Services Pathways hosted a full day of services alongside the count. Grace Medical was on site for screenings.
WTWO caught up with Terry Hedges who said he's experiencing homelessness.
'I've been chasing housing for eight years now and it always seems like when I get closer there's another hoop I gotta go through,' Hedges said. 'It's getting overwhelming now. I'm getting to the point where I'm tired,' he added.
The 2024 PIT Count showed a concerning rise in homelessness in the region. In Vigo County, local shelters report a significant increase in individuals seeking help, mirroring national trends.
'We're really around 260-290 (people), when we did the count last year. I feel like we're still going to be in that range because we saw quite a few people at the emergency warming center who were still unhoused and unsheltered. And then we've got the Lotus Center which will hopefully be opening soon. It's just going to be another emergency shelter,' Fuller said.
'Terre Haute is doing as much as they can with the funding, as far as housing and homes,' Hedges said. 'But I also believe there could be more done.'
The community's collective effort Thursday is not only about counting the unhoused but also about offering a supportive, compassionate environment where individuals can access services that might otherwise be out of reach
For those interested in helping unhoused neighbors, Fuller recommends making donations or volunteering at emergency warming centers, like Pathways. Fuller said they are in the process of training volunteers to be ready to go as the need for emergency shelters arrives throughout the year. For more information or to get involved contact Reach Services, Pathways at 812-917-3287.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Novartis ianalumab Phase III trial meets primary endpoint in ITP, demonstrating statistically significant improvement in time to treatment failure
Ianalumab prolonged the duration of safe platelet levels during and after treatment in patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) previously treated with corticosteroids1,2 Patients treated with ianalumab also experienced a significantly higher rate of sustained improvements in platelet count, the key secondary endpoint of the study1 Ianalumab, administered as four once-monthly doses in the ITP setting, could offer long-term disease control through a short course of treatment and potentially allow patients extended time off treatment, if approved Data expected to be presented at an upcoming medical meeting and included in future regulatory submissions in 2027 along with results from the ongoing first-line ITP trial, VAYHIT1 Basel, August 12, 2025 – Novartis today announced positive top-line results from VAYHIT2, a Phase III trial evaluating ianalumab plus eltrombopag in patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) previously treated with corticosteroids1,2. Ianalumab plus eltrombopag, compared to placebo plus eltrombopag, significantly prolonged the time to treatment failure (TTF), the primary endpoint that assesses how long patients maintain safe platelet levels during and after the treatment period1,2. Ianalumab is being investigated in other B cell-driven autoimmune diseases, including ongoing Phase III trials in first-line ITP and in second and later lines of warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia, with readouts expected in 20263,4. In VAYHIT2, patients treated with ianalumab plus eltrombopag experienced a significantly higher rate of sustained improvements in platelet count at six months, the key secondary endpoint of the study1. The safety profile of ianalumab was consistent with what was previously observed in clinical studies, with no new safety signals1. 'While current treatments for ITP are generally effective in raising platelet counts, many patients require life-long treatment to maintain safe levels, which can create a lasting treatment burden,' said Adam Cuker, M.D., Professor of Medicine and Chief, Section of Hematology, University of Pennsylvania. 'The results from VAYHIT2 are encouraging, as they suggest that ianalumab may support longer periods of disease control and reduce the need for continuous treatment.' ITP is a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by low platelet counts leading to an increased risk of bleeding, bruising and chronic fatigue5-7. Many people living with ITP cycle through multiple therapies, unable to achieve long-term disease control7. There is a need for other treatment options with novel mechanisms of action that offer durable responses while reducing the burden of long-term treatment8. 'For many people living with ITP, chronic treatment can disrupt their daily life due to the burden of regular dosing, dose adjustments and side effects,' said Shreeram Aradhye, M.D., President, Development and Chief Medical Officer, Novartis. 'These positive top-line results from the Phase III study highlight the potential of ianalumab, if approved, to deliver long-term disease control with four once-monthly doses and enable extended time off treatment.' Data is expected to be presented at an upcoming medical meeting and included in future regulatory submissions in 2027 along with results from the ongoing first-line ITP trial, VAYHIT1. Ianalumab has been granted Orphan Drug Designation by the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency9,10. Recently, Novartis announced positive top-line results for ianalumab in adults with active Sjögren's disease. About ianalumab Ianalumab (VAY736) is a novel fully human monoclonal antibody being investigated for its potential to treat various B cell-driven autoimmune diseases, including Sjögren's disease, immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), lupus nephritis (LN), warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (wAIHA) and diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc)2,4,11-16. Its mechanism of action targets B cells in two ways, namely combining B cell depletion via antibody-dependent cellular toxicity (ADCC) and interruption of BAFF-R mediated signals of B cell function and survival11. In clinical trials, ianalumab showed promising efficacy and a favorable safety profile in Sjögren's disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, and immune thrombocytopenia17-19. Ianalumab originates from an early collaboration with MorphoSys AG, a company which Novartis later acquired in 202420. About primary immune thrombocytopenia Primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a rare, autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly targets and destroys platelets, the cells essential for blood clotting5. This can lead to symptoms such as prolonged bleeding, easy bruising and chronic fatigue, which can significantly impact daily life5,6. Despite available treatments, many people living with ITP cycle through multiple therapies, unable to achieve long-term disease control7. Current options often focus on maintaining safe platelet levels and preventing bleeding complications and may require ongoing use7,21. The burden of chronic treatment and unpredictability of relapses can significantly impact quality of life6,22. There is a need for therapies that offer durable response while reducing the burden of long-term treatment8. About VAYHIT2 VAYHIT2 (NCT05653219) is a Phase III, multi-center, randomized, double-blind study evaluating the efficacy and safety of two different doses of ianalumab versus placebo, in addition to eltrombopag, in adults with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) (platelet count <30 G/L) who failed previous first-line treatment with corticosteroids2. Alongside eltrombopag, patients were randomized 1:1:1 to receive four once-monthly intravenous infusions of ianalumab at 3 mg/kg, ianalumab at 9 mg/kg or placebo2. The primary endpoint was time to treatment failure, which is defined as the time from randomization until either: a platelet count of less than 30 G/L later than 8 weeks from randomization; the need for rescue therapy later than 8 weeks from randomization; initiation of a new ITP treatment at any time; ineligibility or inability to taper/discontinue eltrombopag; or death2. The key secondary endpoint is the percentage of patients with a stable platelet count response at Month 62. Other secondary endpoints include measures of depth and duration of platelet response as well as patient-reported outcomes that measure quality of life and fatigue, among other endpoints2. DisclaimerThis press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by words such as 'potential,' 'can,' 'will,' 'plan,' 'may,' 'could,' 'would,' 'expect,' 'anticipate,' 'look forward,' 'believe,' 'committed,' 'investigational,' 'pipeline,' 'launch,' or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential marketing approvals, new indications or labeling for the investigational or approved products described in this press release, or regarding potential future revenues from such products. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that the investigational or approved products described in this press release will be submitted or approved for sale or for any additional indications or labeling in any market, or at any particular time. Nor can there be any guarantee that such products will be commercially successful in the future. In particular, our expectations regarding such products could be affected by, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; global trends toward health care cost containment, including government, payor and general public pricing and reimbursement pressures and requirements for increased pricing transparency; our ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection; the particular prescribing preferences of physicians and patients; general political, economic and business conditions, including the effects of and efforts to mitigate pandemic diseases; safety, quality, data integrity or manufacturing issues; potential or actual data security and data privacy breaches, or disruptions of our information technology systems, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG's current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. About Novartis Novartis is an innovative medicines company. Every day, we work to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people's lives so that patients, healthcare professionals and societies are empowered in the face of serious disease. Our medicines reach nearly 300 million people worldwide. Reimagine medicine with us: Visit us at and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X/Twitter and Instagram. References Novartis. Data on file. NCT05653219. A Study of Efficacy and Safety of Ianalumab Versus Placebo in Addition to Eltrombopag in Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia Patients Who Failed Steroids (VAYHIT2). Accessed July 21, 2025. NCT05653349. Study of Ianalumab Versus Placebo in Addition to First-line Corticosteroids in Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) (VAYHIT1). Accessed July 21, 2025. NCT05648968. A Study of Efficacy and Safety of Ianalumab in Previously Treated Patients With Warm Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (VAYHIA) Accessed July 21, 2025. Rodeghiero F, Stasi R, Gernsheimer T, et al. Standardization of terminology, definitions and outcome criteria in immune thrombocytopenic purpura of adults and children: report from an international working group. Blood. 2009;113(11):2386-2393. doi:10.1182/blood-2008-07-162503 Kuter DJ, Mathias SD, Rummel M, et al. Health-related quality of life in nonsplenectomized immune thrombocytopenia patients receiving romiplostim or medical standard of care. Am J Hematol. 2012;87:558-61 Kuter DJ. The treatment of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)—focus on thrombopoietin receptor agonists. Ann Blood. 2021;6:27. doi:10.21037/aob-2021-itp-04 Mingot-Castellano ME, Bastida JM, Caballero-Navarro G, et al. Novel therapies to address unmet needs in ITP. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2022;15(7):779. doi:10.3390/ph15070779 US Food and Drug Administration. Orphan drug designation: ianalumab—treatment of primary immune thrombocytopenia. Published February 13, 2025. Accessed August 9, 2025. European Commission. Community register of orphan medicinal products: ianalumab. Updated June 30, 2025. Accessed August 9, 2025. Dörner T, Bowman SJ, Fox R, et al. Safety and Efficacy of Ianalumab in Patients With Sjögren's Disease: 52-Week Results From a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 2b Dose-Ranging Study. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2025;77(5):560-570. doi:10.1002/art.43059 NCT05350072. Two-arm Study to Assess Efficacy and Safety of Ianalumab (VAY736) in Patients With Active Sjogren's Syndrome (NEPTUNUS-1). Accessed August 9, 2025. NCT05349214. Three-arm Study to Assess Efficacy and Safety of Ianalumab (VAY736) in Patients With Active Sjogren's Syndrome (NEPTUNUS-2). Accessed August 9, 2025. NCT05639114. Phase 3 Study to Evaluate Two Regimens of Ianalumab on Top of Standard-of-care Therapy in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SIRIUS-SLE 1) (SIRIUS-SLE 1). Accessed August 9, 2025. NCT05126277. Safety, Efficacy and Tolerability of Ianalumab Versus Placebo, Combination With SoC Therapy, in Participants With Active Lupus Nephritis (SIRIUS-LN). Accessed August 9, 2025. NCT06470048. A Clinical Study to Evaluate Ianalumab in Participants With Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis. Accessed August 9, 2025. Bowman SJ, Fox R, Dörner T, et al. Safety and efficacy of subcutaneous ianalumab (VAY736) in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2b dose-finding trial. Lancet. 2022;399(10320):161-171. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(21)02251-0 Shen N, Ignatenko S, Gordienko A, et al. Phase 2 Safety and Efficacy of Subcutaneous (s.c.) Dose Ianalumab (VAY736; Anti-BAFFR mAb) Administered Monthly over 28 Weeks in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) of Moderate-to-Severe Activity [abstract]. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2023; 75 (suppl 9). Accessed August 9, 2025. Bradbury C, Elverdi T, Trautmann K, et al. A phase 2 study of ianalumab in patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia previously treated with at least two lines of therapy (VAYHIT3). HemaSphere. 2025;9(Suppl 1):Abstract S238. Presented at European Hematology Association (EHA) Congress, June 12‑15, 2025. Milan, Italy. Accessed August 9, 2025. Novartis. Press release. Novartis to strengthen oncology pipeline with agreement to acquire MorphoSys AG for EUR 68 per share or an aggregate of EUR 2.7bn in cash. February 5, 2024. Accessed August 9, 2025. Provan D, Newland AC. Current management of primary immune thrombocytopenia. Adv Ther. 2015;32(10):875-887. doi:10.1007/s12325-015-0240-z Cooper N, Kruse A, Kruse C, et al. Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) World Impact Survey (I-WISh): impact of ITP on health-related quality of life. Am J Hematol. 2021;96(2):199-207. doi:10.1002/ajh.26083 # # # Novartis Media RelationsE-mail: Novartis Investor RelationsCentral investor relations line: +41 61 324 7944E-mail: while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Newsweek
17-07-2025
- Newsweek
Map Shows States With Higher Rates of Homelessness
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. America's homelessness crisis continues to grow despite the billions of dollars spent by federal and state authorities in recent years to address the problem, suggesting, experts say, that its root causes are not being addressed. According to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), a record 771,480 people experienced homelessness on a single night in the United States in 2024—18 percent more than a year earlier. It was the highest number ever recorded by the federal agency. The surge happened all across the American population, involving families with children, unaccompanied youth and adults living on their own, people with a history of homelessness and those without. Veterans were the only ones to experience an overall decline in homelessness last year. However, when researchers at the American Enterprise Institute's (AEI) Housing Center examined the HUD figures, they discovered that homelessness rates were higher in states reporting the most acute housing shortages. America's Homelessness Hotspots Since 2020, the U.S. homeless population has increased by 33 percent at the country level. At the state level, the number of people experiencing homelessness has surged in 46 states since the pandemic, with Washington, D.C., Maryland, Wyoming, Mississippi, and Iowa being the only exceptions. "While homelessness has worsened almost everywhere since the pandemic, there are clear hotspots, particularly in the West, the Northeast, and Illinois," Sissi Li, senior Data and Analytics manager at the AEI Housing Center, told Newsweek. "When we look at homelessness per capita, the rates are the highest in Washington, DC, Hawaii, and New York, and lowest in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Virginia." There is a difference between homelessness rates per capita and the actual numbers of people experiencing homelessness in any one state. Looking at the rate, New York and Hawaii are the states doing the worst in the entire nation, with a displacement rate of 8.1 percent each, indicating the point-in-time homeless count per 1,000 people. The lowest rates in the country, on the other hand, were reported in Mississippi (0.4 percent), Louisiana (0.8 percent), and Virginia (0.8 percent). But when looking at the sheer numbers of people experiencing homelessness in each state, California dominates the list with a total of 187,084, at a rate of 4.8 percent. New York followed with 158,019 residents experiencing homelessness on any one night in the state last year. Not Enough Homes The main factor driving up homelessness across the U.S. in recent years, Li said, is a lack of supply in the country's housing market. This is most acute in states experiencing higher rates of people without a roof over their heads, like California, New York, and Washington. "Our research tested 54 different variables—from unemployment to climate—and found one single indicator with the most explanatory power: the median home price to median income ratio," Li said. "As the median price-to-income ratio exceeds 5.0, the homelessness rate increases exponentially. Consider California and Texas, with median price-to-income ratios of 7.7 and 4.0 respectively. Yet California's rate of homelessness is over five times higher." The solution to ease America's homelessness crisis, Li said, is to release housing pressure by building more homes. "For decades, restrictive zoning and land use laws have created an artificial scarcity of homes. Across the country, we estimate a shortage of about 6 million homes. But this is fixable," Li said. "Our case study comparing Los Angeles and Houston found that Houston, with lower minimum lot sizes, less onerous regulations, and more effective policies addressing homelessness, resulted in a more abundant housing supply, which in turn led to a homelessness rate of 0.5 compared to 7.8 for Los Angeles—15 times lower."
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Yahoo
County lauds intake center to help unhoused, but federal funding cuts threaten resources
Steven Martin, left, and Justin Golden, are receiving resources at the Navigation Center, which helps people experiencing homelessness get off the streets. (Photo: Michael Lyle/ Nevada Current) Clark County officials have recently touted its Navigation Center, a 70-bed noncongregate shelter that stabilizes unhoused people before referring them to other transitional housing programs and treatment, as the model that could help address Southern Nevada's growing homelessness crisis. Speaking at an event Wednesday honoring its two-year anniversary since opening the facility, Clark County Commissioner Tick Segerblom said local officials have discussed replicating the intake center valley wide. It's still uncertain how the slashing of federal funding, including major cuts to Medicaid, might undermine the county's goal to build additional centers and connect unhoused people staying at those facilities to services. Many of the resources provided through the Navigation Center, like referrals to health care providers or mental health treatment, are paid through various types of federal funding, including Medicaid, Segerblom said. The county is taking into account 'what we will potentially lose' from all the federal cuts, he added. 'We are all terrified, frankly,' Segerblom said. 'We are very aware all this is on a house of cards.' President Donald Trump's 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' that was signed into law this month features steep reductions to the social safety net, including major cuts to Medicaid and food benefits. Nevada stands to lose about $590 million annually in federal Medicaid funding for the next 10 years and more than 114,500 Nevadans are estimated to lose coverage, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. Trump is also proposing additional cuts in his 2026 fiscal budget across various agencies, including slashing U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development budget by more than 40%. The cuts include a $532 million decrease in homeless assistance programs and a consolidation of several grants, like those provided by the federal Continuum of Care program that states use to address homelessness. John Fernandez, program manager with WC Health, which the county contracts to provide case management at the Navigation Center, said they are still waiting to learn how cuts could impact operations and efforts to refer people to services. 'If they don't have Medicaid, it will make it difficult for them to receive any mental health providers or even doctors and get some of the assistance they need,' he said. Stabilizing people The Navigation Center is located in East Las Vegas in a former Motel 6, which was converted into the 70-bed intake center with semi-private rooms for unhoused people. During the height of Covid when it wasn't safe for unhoused people to remain in large, congregate spaces like emergency shelters, the county converted former motels into noncongregate shelters. Since opening in 2023, the Navigation Center has been used by the county as a starting place for people seeking to exit homelessness. They are usually referred to the facility by either a service provider or law enforcement. Once at the center, people can stay roughly 30 days, receive required case management twice a week, are assisted with getting vital documents like birth certificates, and begin to get connected to other housing resources or mental health assessments and treatment. 'It gives them a chance to decompress from being unsheltered and then moving on where they can get more intensive wrap-around services and focus on long term housing solutions,' said Brenda Barnes, the social services manager. The county said that nearly 1,800 people have cycled through the center since it opened. While county officials said they are tracking what services people are referred to, how many were housed and recidivism rates of how many end up on the streets, they didn't provide those figures Wednesday. For Justin Golden, a 37-year-old staying at the Navigation Center, the facility has become the place he has needed to stabilize his life. After being released from City of Las Vegas jail in early June, he began couch-surfing as he tried to get connected to resources, like getting a new EBT card for his Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, and finding employment. Three weeks ago, while sleeping in a park in Henderson, outreach workers from the Salvation Army referred him to the Navigation Center, he said. Golden lost his identification when he was arrested and struggled to get new documents since he was released, delaying the process of exiting homelessness. Less than three weeks into his time at the Navigation Center, he has been able to start collecting the documents needed and plans to transfer to another transitional housing program offered by the county by the end of the month. Since coming to the center, Golden has shared a room with 27-year-old Steven Martin, who has been experiencing homelessness for nearly a year after moving to Southern Nevada from California. Because of a criminal record, Martin said he has struggled to find employment and earn enough money to get back on his feet. He didn't know where to turn, or where he could get resources, until he was referred to the Navigation Center by a provider. Martin also plans to go to a 90-day transitional housing program after his time is done at the Navigation Center. Though Fernandez has seen the center has been successful, he said the facility is often at capacity. The other noncongregate shelters he refers people to for the next part of their efforts to exit homelessness are also reaching capacity. It will likely create a backlog in the system. 'I think if we could open up another navigation center it would be beneficial for everyone,' he said. 'At this point, we are getting to a capacity where we can't take too many people in. We only have 70 beds here. All the other properties are getting full as well. If we're not able to transition people in 30 days to another property, then we can't take more people.' While opening the navigation center is one of the many steps the county is taking to address the homelessness crisis, the lack of permanent housing remains a fierce and stubborn barrier to addressing homelessness in Southern Nevada, Segerblom said. 'We need more housing,' he said.
