Summer Point-in-Time Count Shows Increase in Unsheltered Population

The number of unsheltered, or homeless people, in the Chelan-Douglas County area rose nearly 50% from the winter to the summer according to July count.

Wenatchee Housing Programs Coordinator Oliver Crain says it's the first time they've ever done a summer point-in-time count.

"We were seeking to get a better idea of the range of people who are staying outside. We expected the number to be higher just because the weather can be more hospitable in the summer."

The vast majority of unsheltered people were in Wenatchee and East Wenatchee.

Crain says they took more time with this count to get the most accurate information possible as they look to build a low-barrier housing project with services available.

"In order to right size that kind of intervention, we really need to know what the range of the population we're working with is and so that's our goal, establish that range."

Seven non-profits and several volunteers were involved in the count.

Crain says the city is shifting out of a regional response role, while the counties are taking on some of that area.