2024 Point-in-Time Count Homeless Census Final Data Released

The Thurston County Public Health and Social Services has published the final data for the 2024 Point-in-Time Count Homeless Census, revealing that 952 individuals were counted as homeless on January 25, 2024. This figure includes 158 in transitional housing, 460 in emergency shelters, and 334 in unsheltered conditions. This year's count reflects an increase of 212 individuals from 2023, highlighting the ongoing homelessness crisis facing the region. In response, Thurston County is partnering with the Regional Housing Council and various community service providers to improve the effectiveness of their Homeless Crisis Response System. The County is also in the process of developing a Local Homeless Housing Plan to guide efforts from 2025 to 2030, with public engagement opportunities planned for February.

Seven outreach events were conducted to gather data and distribute survival gear, while providing access to essential services. The data collected will undergo verification to ensure accuracy and eliminate duplicates, underscoring the commitment to reliable reporting. The annual Point-in-Time Count is critical for understanding and addressing homelessness in Thurston County.