Point-in-time count found 952 people facing homelessness in Thurston County in 2024

By The Chronicle staff
Posted 1/17/25

An annual point-in-time count of the homeless population in Thurston County last year found there were 952 people experiencing homelessness, according to a news release from Thurston County Public …

You've reached your limit of
free articles this month!

Unlock unlimited access for just $1 for your first month

Click here to start a digital subscription

Please log in to continue

Log in

Point-in-time count found 952 people facing homelessness in Thurston County in 2024

Posted

An annual point-in-time count of the homeless population in Thurston County last year found there were 952 people experiencing homelessness, according to a news release from Thurston County Public Health and Social Services.

The count took place on the night of Jan. 25, 2024, but the final report for the 2024 Point-in-Time Count Homeless Census was just released on Thursday.

The data report shares the number of Thurston County residents who were experiencing unsheltered homelessness or were staying in shelters or transitional housing programs at a single point in time.

Of the 952 people experiencing homelessness during the count, there were 158 people in transitional housing, 460 people in emergency shelters and 334 people staying in encampments, tents, RVs or other vehicles, small structures, doorways or in other places not meant for human habitation, according to the news release.

The total count in 2024 increased by about 212 people experiencing homelessness when compared to the 2023 data, according to Thurston County Public Health and Social Services.

“Thurston County strives to lead a compassionate and effective response to homelessness,” Thurston County Public Health stated in a news release. “The county, in partnership with the Regional Housing Council and community service providers, continuously works to make improvements to the Homeless Crisis Response System while following the funding requirements from the state and federal government. Thurston County Office of Housing and Homeless Prevention staff is leading a core team of stakeholders in developing the Local Homeless Housing Plan to guide Thurston County’s homeless response efforts from 2025-2030. The development process will include opportunities for public engagement, including a community survey in February.”



Seven events were held to conduct point-in-time surveys and share resources. The events focused on different sub-populations, including seniors, adults, youth and young adults.

Survival gear was distributed, including blankets, winter gloves, hand warmers, rechargeable headlamps, duffle bags, hygiene kits, socks and other winter clothing. The events also offered attendees connection to services, food, haircuts, foot care and veterinary care.

Data presented in the report for people living in shelters and transitional housing programs were reported via the County’s Homeless Management Information System. All data gathered from the 2024 count is cross-checked by Department of Commerce staff to account for any duplications or ineligible surveys, according to Thurston County Public Health and Social Services.

This year, the point-in-time count will be held from Jan. 30 to Feb. 6.

Volunteer opportunities include sorting donations, assembling hygiene kits, assisting with surveys and supporting the events. The United Way of Thurston County provides volunteer recruitment efforts to ensure all events and survey efforts are well-staffed.

For more information, contact River Blake, homeless program and data specialist, at river.blake@co.thurston.wa.us