The Salvation Army of Lewis County will conduct the annual “point in time” count of unhoused residents on Friday, Jan. 26, data that provides a snapshot of the demographics and characteristics of those experiencing homelessness.
The yearly count, while imprecise, is required by law. The county attempts to track the number of “unsheltered homeless” people in the county, which is defined by the Washington State department of Commerce as a “person residing in a place not meant for human habitation such as cars, parks, sidewalks, abandoned buildings (on the street).”
Homelessness has increased — both across the state and country — in recent years. According to data from the U.S. department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), more than 653,000 people experienced homelessness in 2023, which was a 12% increase from 2022. Washington reported 28,036 people experiencing homelessness in the 2023 count.
Washington had the third-highest rate of increased homelessness between 2007 and 2023, according to the HUD report.
In addition to the point-in-time count, the Lewis County Homelessness Connect is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Blue Pavilion and will include around 30 service providers. Supportive services providers will include veteran services, domestic violence assistance providers, behavioral health providers and community-based organizations.
Lunch and haircuts will be provided at the event. The pavilion is located at 1909 South Gold St. in Centralia.
