Census update: 952 people experienced homelessness in Thurston County in 2024

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Thurston County officials have corrected figures in the 2024 Point-in-Time (PIT) Homeless Census, adjusting the number of individuals in emergency shelters upward to 460 from 363.

The update announced on Thursday, Jan. 16, accompanied the release of the finalized census report. The report revealed a 22% increase in homelessness from 2023, with 952 individuals experiencing homelessness in 2024. 

“We apologize for any confusion this may have caused,” said Kasey High, Public Information Specialist for the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners. 

Finalized homelessness  

The revised homelessness census, mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) documented the following: 

  • 460 individuals in emergency shelters. 
  • 158 individuals in transitional housing. 
  • 334 individuals unsheltered, living in “encampments, tents, RVs or other vehicles, small structures, doorways, or in other places not meant for human habitation.” 

For accuracy, officials said the data underwent rigorous validation. 

“Data presented in the report for people living in shelters and transitional housing programs were reported via the County’s Homeless Management Information System,” the county said in a news release on the issue.

All figures were now verified and “cross-checked by Department of Commerce staff to account for any duplications or ineligible surveys.” 

“Thurston County strives to lead a compassionate and effective response to homelessness,” the county said in its news release. 

Addressing homelessness 

In partnership with the Regional Housing Council and community service providers, Thurston County is intensifying its efforts to improve the existing Homeless Crisis Response System.

The upgraded initiatives shall target systematic gaps identified in the PIT Count studies that contribute to the increasing homelessness rate across the county. 

According to the news release, the  Thurston County Office of Housing & Homeless Prevention will lead the forthcoming Local Homeless Housing Plan for 2025-30.

The plan shall lay out long-term solutions to housing insecurity. It shall also incorporate feedback from an upcoming February community public input meeting to reflect local needs. 

Meanwhile, during the 2024 PIT Count,  the county announced it hosted seven events, during which it distributed essential supplies while simultaneously facilitating data collection. 

“Survival gear was distributed such as blankets, winter gloves, hand warmers, rechargeable headlamps, duffle bags, hygiene kits, socks, and other winter clothing,” the news release stated. 

Participants also accessed services, including food, haircuts, foot care, and veterinary care. 

2025 PIT count 

The upcoming 2025 PIT Count, scheduled for Jan. 30 to Feb. 6, will again rely on volunteers to support its efforts. 

United Way of Thurston County leads volunteer recruitment with roles and opportunities, including donation sorting, hygiene kit assembly and survey collection. 

“A successful PIT Count is dependent on volunteers and county partners to plan, implement, and gather as many surveys as possible,” the county said in the news release.

For more information or to participate in the 2025 PIT Count, you may email River Blake, Homeless Program & Data Specialist, at river.blake@co.thurston.wa.us.

Comments

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  • JW

    "Experienced homelessness". Watch out, anyone can catch it!!

    It has NOTHING to do with rampant drug use and mental illness. It's like catching a cold.

    Wednesday, January 22 Report this

  • Cfrank64

    Very good observation, JW. You’re absolutely right. Anyone can “catch the homeless.” It’s as simple as an unexpected hospitalization, your home burning to the ground, or even being between jobs.

    40% of TC residents make too much for govt assistance, but too little to get by. An unexpected expenditure as little as $400 could make them fall behind on rent, leading to eviction, then homelessness. The county surpasses their record of eviction filings in the summer of this year.

    It’s not just people struggling with untreated mental health or addiction, it’s people like you and me too.

    Thursday, January 23 Report this

  • Southsoundguy

    If it is so easy to catch then why is it all the SAME PEOPLE who are homeless?! It is vagrancy, drug use, and mental illness. It isn't "people like you and me," its not "your neighbor," it is the drug addled, mental decrepit, vagrant, or some combination thereof.

    Thursday, January 23 Report this

  • wolfmanner

    One of the main reasons for this is that other Wa. cities have banned sleeping on the streets or parks. Ya think Olympia would do that ? No way with a Marxist DEI Woke City Council.

    Thursday, January 23 Report this