With a new year comes new efforts to curb homelessness in the Mahoning Valley. And while groups in Mahoning and Columbiana Counties have already set new initiatives in motion for 2022, they're still facing some challenges.

New grants for these groups of thousands of dollars have been coming in for the new year, but the communities say that's still not enough as they work to catch up with available housing and outpaced funding.

Columbiana County Community Action Agency CEO, Tom Andrews tells 21 News that during the pandemic, there was more homelessness, and more homelessness led to more of an outcry in the community.

The larger outcry led to help for 119 Columbiana County residents such as shelter to transitional housing and rental assistance.

But in 2022, Andrews says the Agency is trying to keep up with trying to find adequate and safe housing that meets the minimum standards.

Andrews tells us that part of this issue is due to money, as funding from the state has been stagnant for years.

"Even more complicated than that is some of our multi-challenging individuals. It's even harder to find a place for them," Andrews said.

Meanwhile in Mahoning County, Coleman Health Services is trying to bring some solutions to help the homeless community in the area secure the resources they need.

Coleman Health Services received some assistance in the form of a $15,000 donation from Huntington Bank. The funds will be used to provide housing and mental health services for those in need.

Agencies are working to combat a homeless issue that goes deeper than just finding homes.