Imagine sleeping outside, with nothing but a few blankets and a mattress, as temperatures dip well below freezing.

It's a reality that happens almost every night in Broome County, with close to two dozen homeless individuals sleeping outside.

"We're always looking at health in terms of warmth, preventing anyone from going into hypothermia or being exposed to the elements when it comes to wind or snow but then we're also looking into mental health," said Rebecca Rathmell, Street Outreach Coordinator.

Last year, 1,500 people accessed shelters, including 300 families with children. Half of those families had children under the age of six. 

So, what's the main problem? Housing instability is on the rise.

"Homelessness is a housing issue. We've seen increases of 40% in housing instability and homelessness locally directly due to not having enough affordable, available units for families in need," said Rathmell.

But housing isn't the only thing plaguing the homeless population.

The VOA is no longer accepting women and children into its shelters, forcing the YWCA to step up.

"The YWCA is now the only agency providing emergency shelter for vulnerable women and families and that requires us to pick up capacity but also to work closely with the department of social services," said Rathmell.

Broome County shelters are typically at 100% capacity during the winter months.

As a result, whenever temperatures dip below freezing, a Code Blue will be issued, allowing for 24-hour services.

"Even if the shelters are at capacity, we can put up a cot or two or a handful and make sure someone is off the street, or we can connect to the department of social services," said Rathmell.

Last year, 106 veterans accessed shelters, equating to 5 percent of the homeless population.