More than 4,400 individuals slept in a homeless shelter at least one night last year, according to the Rhode Island Homeless Management Information System. That's a slight increase over last year and the highest figure since 2007.

Providence College sociology professor Bill Smith, who compiled the data, says families represent 40 percent of the homeless population.

"Think about trying to raise your children in a public setting where everyone is chiming in on how you should be dealing with your kids," Smith. "It's really almost impossible try to retain any kind of respect from your children in that environment."

Homeless advocates are pressing the legislature for a dedicated funding stream for affordable housing.

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