C.O. homeless count: Numbers up despite strong economy
(Update: Adding more data from homeless count)
According to results of the 2019 Point-in-Time Count, an annual one-night census of people experiencing homelessness in Jefferson, Crook and Deschutes counties and The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, the number of homeless in Central Oregon rose to 880 from 787 last year, a 12% increase, organizers of the effort said Monday.
In a statement accompanying the release of the count, the board of the Homeless Leadership Coalition stated, “The fact that homelessness is rising in the midst of a strong economy should be a warning sign to all of us that we are in the midst of a homeless crisis in Central Oregon.
“Every community in Central Oregon is affected. It is unacceptable that hundreds of our fellow citizens – children, parents, veterans, and others are unsheltered every night. We need a united regional effort to build affordable and supportive housing and a willingness to invest in innovative ideas.”
The numbers released by the HLC include people who met the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD’s) definition of homelessness – people living in shelters, transitional housing programs, or in a place not meant for human habitation – on Jan. 23, 2019. Participation in the survey is voluntary.
In June, the HLC will release city- and county-level data, along with additional information about people at-risk of homelessness, access to healthcare and causes of homelessness. The HLC is currently scheduling community meetings which will take place over the coming months to share local data.
Drilling down into the numbers:
–Approximately 70% of Central Oregon homeless were unsheltered, a number in line with recent years. That includes an increase of 15% in the number of families that were unsheltered (from 165 in 2018 to 189 in 2019),
–The number of homeless children under 18-year-old increased 19% from 124 last year to 147. Among those children, 20 were unaccompanied.
–A total of 160 individuals reported being chronically homeless – homeless for over a year – an increase of 15% which is slightly higher than the rate of increase for the overall homeless population.
In line with past years, economic factors continue to be the No. 1 one issue cited by survey participants as a barrier to finding adequate housing. Unemployment was the second most reported factor.
To review the data summary from the January 2019 count or to learn how to connect with agencies and efforts in your community, visit http://cohomeless.org/ .
Point in Time Count (PIT) 2019 – HUD Reported Results*
May 1, 2019
*This summary includes ONLY survey respondents that met the HUD definition of “literally homeless” – sheltered and unsheltered. Additional questions were asked and surveys collected for people “at-risk” of homelessness or in unstable housing situations, but who do not meet the HUD definition of homeless. In partnership with the Deschutes County Health Services, the HLC will release additional data and analysis in the coming weeks.
Definitions:
Sheltered = Emergency Shelter, Transitional Housing, Hotel/Motel Paid for with Voucher. Unsheltered = place not meant for human habitation (i.e. car, outside, abandoned building, etc.). Methodology:
Conducted for the night of January 23rd, 2019; surveys collected over a 3-day period Dozens of trained volunteers surveyed people in shelters, transitional housing, at meal sites and food banks, drop-in centers, health clinics, hotels/motels, camp sites, RV parks, and through street canvassing. Counts occurred in La Pine, Sunriver, Bend, Sisters, Redmond, Prineville, Madras and Warm Springs. All data is self-reported and incentives were given for participation. Key Points:
880 people experienced homelessness in Central Oregon on January 23rd, 2019. This is a large increase from 2018 of 12%, in which 787 people were experiencing homelessness during the PIT Count. 70% (614) of people experiencing homelessness were unsheltered. This percentage is mostly unchanged from previous years, and remains more than double the number of people who are in shelters, motels (with vouchers) or transitional housing. The total unsheltered population surveyed rose from 555 to 614, a 11% increase. The primary reported reasons for homelessness continues to be economic causes and effects. We counted 11 unsheltered unaccompanied children under 18, and the number has increased since 2015. However we counted fewer unsheltered unaccompanied youth (18-24) this year down from 49 to 34. COMPARISON CHART: 2016-2019. Total Populations
POPULATION
2015
2017
2018
2019
PERCENT CHANGE
(2018-2019)
TOTAL (Adults + Children)
594
778
787
880
12%
All Households
409
510
572
616
8%
Individuals in Families (1AD +1CH)
211
284
199
243
22%
Adults (18+ years old)
465
615
663
773
17%
All Children (<18 years old)
129
163
124
147
19%
Unaccompanied Children (<18)
12
7
15
20
33%
All Youth (18-24 years old)
55
78
94
76
-19%
Unaccompanied Youth (18-24)
43
61
83
52
-37%
Veterans
59
83
60
62
3%
Chronically Homeless Veterans
30
49
22
22
0%
Chronically Homeless Individuals
161
187
139
160
15%
*Total numbers regardless of household composition
For more information, contact HLC Co-chair James Cook at 618-610-1405 or HLC Coordinator George Myers at 612-419-6408.
About the Central Oregon Homeless Leadership Coalition: The Homeless Leadership Coalition is a collaboration of community partners in Crook, Jefferson, and Deschutes counties and The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs engaging the community through education, advocacy, planning, prioritization and accountability for services to persons experiencing homelessness.
HLC consists of more than 40 organizations including faith communities, shelter providers, public schools, public health, emergency services, veterans outreach, public safety, mental health, housing services, public services, private employers and community advocates. They represent a diverse group of interests, unified by a common focus: a Central Oregon where everyone has a safe, stable place to call home.
