Trying to count unhoused people in WA is 'like nailing water to the wall,' experts say

How many unhoused people live in Washington state? It seems like a relatively simple question — especially since it’s the basis for so many important decisions.

But figuring out the answer is tough.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development relies on annual counts, taken by a veritable army of volunteers, over the course of a single night in a community. And according to a recent report HUD released, the number counted last year was 25,211 unhoused Washingtonians. That’s a 10% increase from just two years earlier.

It’s a staggering number, but here’s the thing: It’s probably a huge undercount. Many believe HUD’s Point in Time Count misses a lot of people.

In fact, the state’s Department of Commerce says that more than 53,000 people experienced homelessness just in King County in 2022.

Why are these numbers so wildly different? And how do local governments and organizations use estimates to inform the work they do to help homeless populations?

Soundside host Libby Denkmann talked to Sara Rankin, a professor of law at Seattle University, and the founder and director of the Homeless Rights Advocacy Project.

And at least one trend is clear: There’s been a vast reduction in the number of unhoused veterans in the United States in the last 15 years.

We'll hear from Cara Franke, the director of Community Housing and Outreach Services at VA Puget Sound Health Care System about what lessons about the wider effort to end homelessness.

Listen to the full story above