With homelessness on the rise in Thurston County, United Way of Thurston County (UWTC), in collaboration with Thurston County Office of Housing & Homeless Prevention, is calling on residents to take part in the 2025 Point-in-Time (PIT) Homeless Census Count.
Scheduled from Jan. 30 to Feb. 6, the census count seeks to document the scope of homelessness in the region and provide appropriate support to people in need.
Mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the PIT count is an annual nationwide effort to measure homelessness and guide strategies to address it.
The count is supported by Thurston County, the cities of Olympia and Tumwater, as well as Interfaith Works, Community Youth Services, the Salvation Army and Built For Zero.
In 2024, the PIT count recorded 864 individuals experiencing homelessness — an increase of 120 from the previous year. Among people counted:
More than half of the people experiencing homelessness in Thurston County were unsheltered, enduring harsh winter conditions.
Data from eight outreach events targeting seniors, youths and young adults revealed that 65.5% of individuals were local residents, while 13.6% came from neighboring counties and 12.8% from out of state.
Volunteers are essential to making the 2025 PIT count a success. Opportunities include:
The PIT count will also feature events providing direct support to unsheltered individuals:
Location: 3501 Mary Elder Road NE, Olympia, WA 98506
Date: Jan. 30, noon to 4 p.m.
Services: Coffee, food, haircuts, health clinic and veterinary care.
2. Rosie’s Place Shelter Services
Location: 520 Pear St. SE, Olympia, WA 98501
Date: Jan. 30, noon to 3 p.m.
Services: Haircuts, karaoke, food
3. Outreach Event (Bloc Party)
Location: 824 5th Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98501
Date: Feb. 5, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Services: Food and various service providers on-site.
4. Senior Events at Senior Services for South Sound
Lacey Location: 6757 Pacific Ave. SE, Lacey, WA 98503
Olympia Location: 222 Columbia St. NW, Olympia, WA 98501
Amenities: Coffee, warming spaces and family-friendly hangout spaces
The PIT count provides data essential for securing funding and allocating resources to address homelessness in Thurston County. It guides public health strategies and supports efforts to combat housing insecurity.
To make an impact, sign up to volunteer or host a survey station, visit the Volunteer Sign-Up Page.
Donations of winter gear, hygiene kits and other essential items are also needed to support individuals experiencing homelessness.
For more details, visit the PIT Count Information Page.
For additional information about this year’s PIT count, email the team at pitcensusteam@co.thurston.wa.us.
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