TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) – Local advocates said teen homelessness is becoming an increasing concern this year.

Hannah Maharrey, Tupelo Homeless Task Force chair, said she has seen a growing number of younger people without stable housing.

Some lost a parent, while others experienced a breakdown in family relationships.

“Imagine if you were 16 or 17, in high school, and you didn’t know where you were going to sleep at night,” Maharrey said.

Tupelo’s 2026 Point in Time Count identified 82 people experiencing homelessness, including 54 who were sheltered and 28 who were unsheltered.

Maharrey said teens face questions their classmates may not have to consider.

“How do you get groceries? How do you get clothes for school? If you wanted to play sports, how do you pay your team dues,” Maharrey said.

Local school systems work to identify students facing housing instability and connect them with help.

Organizations including SAFE and Faith Haven provide resources for young people in need.

Good Samaritan Health Services provides free primary health care to people who otherwise may not have access to it.

A Thursday night event stands as its largest fundraiser of the year and will help keep that care available.

“The Family Feud is our largest fundraiser of the year. It accounts for 35 percent of our operations budget, and every single dollar goes back into our Good Samaritan healthcare,” Maharrey said.

Maharrey said the goal is to help people and their families become healthy, happy and successful.

The goal for this year’s fundraiser was $135,000.

Thursday, Maharrey said organizers had already raised $118,000.

All proceeds go toward providing health care for those who cannot afford it.