As the weather improves, the unsheltered population becomes more visible in local parks Unmute LA CROSSE, Wis. (WXOW) - While it may seem like the unsheltered population is increasing, they're simply becoming more visible as the weather improves because many can be outdoors rather than in a shelter. There may be questions about a seemingly recent uptick in the unsheltered population said Ellen Oligney, Homeless Outreach Specialist at Independent Living Resources. While it may seem that way, there isn't an increase. "Maybe it looks like there are a lot of people experiencing homelessness right now, but I think it's actually just that it's more visible in the park currently," said Oligney. "With the nicer weather we do a lot of times see a lot of people leaving Salvation Army because it's physically safe, temperature wise to stay and sleep outside again."