2025 homeless census seeks Thurston County volunteers 

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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.  

The growing crisis 

In 2024, the PIT count recorded 864 individuals experiencing homelessness — an increase of 120 from the previous year. Among people counted: 

  • 417 people were unsheltered, staying in vehicles, encampments or other places not meant for habitation. 
  • 400 were in emergency shelters. 
  • 47 were housed in transitional programs. 

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.  

How you can help 

Volunteers are essential to making the 2025 PIT count a success. Opportunities include: 

  • Donation sorting (Jan. 10, 17 and 24): Prepare donated supplies, such as winter clothing and hygiene kits for distribution. 
  • Hygiene kit assembly (Jan. 23): Assemble kits that will be distributed during outreach events. 
  • Survey assistance (Jan. 30–Feb. 6): Engage with unsheltered individuals to collect critical data. Survey volunteers will be stationed at outreach events and key locations throughout the county. Mandatory training is required to ensure accuracy and sensitivity during interactions. 

Outreach events to support people in need

The PIT count will also feature events providing direct support to unsheltered individuals: 

  1. Homeless Connect at Sergio’s Place 

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 

Help Thurston County tackle homelessness 

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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