The state is at a crossroads on the issue of homelessness, as legislators, advocates and service providers wonder whether flashes of bipartisanship and progress can be sustained.

Many feel the harsh realities coming from a low-income housing shortage, low vacancy rates, and state tenant-landlord laws that usurp local control and create barriers for those with spotty credit or rental histories, evictions or convictions.

With prodding from the federal government, Wisconsin's approach to homelessness is getting more focused, coordinated and efficient.

In mid-April this year, there were four people at the site. By mid-May there were 27. And by mid-July about 60. The tent city then spread east and west with about 75 individuals in 90 tents through the early fall.

Homelessness has many causes and each individual and household has a unique story. Below are some key issues and how they impact people, what'…

Efforts to address homelessness continue to evolve. Below is a list of responses in an effort to make homelessness rare, brief and non-recurri…