Homeless Leadership Coalition’s preliminary numbers for yearly Point in Time Count present mixed picture
Bend, Redmond see lower counts, more sheltered people, but overall count increased
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Preliminary results are in from the region's Point in Time Count, showing how many homeless people live on Central Oregon streets, in the woods or at shelters. It shows some cautiously hopefully signs for some areas, but continued concern overall for those without a place to stay.
The Homeless Leadership Coalition conducted this year's count of homeless in the tri-county area and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs during the last 10 days of January.
"It isn't surprising to see the general increase in the rate of homelessness in our area," Eric Garrity, Bend Equity Project's co-founder, said Tuesday.
Bethlehem Inn Executive Director Gwenn Wysling said most of those using services at Bethlehem Inn are from Central Oregon.
The region's overall count for January 2024 went up about 10%, to 1,811. The number of homeless counted in Bend declined about 5%, from 1,012 last year to 959 this year. Redmond's count also fell, while other areas saw an increase.
The report was given at an HLC meeting last week, viewable here on YouTube:
The information is important at the Bend Equity Project, which offers on-site services.
Garrity said, "I think we just really need to lean into those 'housing first' solutions and make sure that we we have more shelter options. We really need to move further in that direction."
A Point in Time Count is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for all jurisdictions receiving federal money to provide housing and services. Results can help determine the allocation of funds.
Wysling said, "There's a number of reasons why people experience homelessness and for one, it is the housing situation here in our region is very difficult for folks to to live and find housing here. That is the No. 1 reason."
The Homeless Leadership Coalition does not expect the preliminary numbers to change much when the final report is released. For updates, you can go to the Central Oregon Homeless Leadership Coalition website.
