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City updates PIT count and asks council for funds, transport and state voucher advocacy
Summary
City staff and community partners reported a summer 2024 point-in-time count of 342 people experiencing homelessness (265 sheltered, 77 unsheltered), described rising first-time homelessness tied to rent increases, and requested $120,000 for seven-day transportation plus city advocacy for state-funded voucher pilots and expanded revolving loan capacity.
Matt Cruickshank, the city’s human services administrator, and partners with the Council of Community Services presented the summer 2024 point-in-time count and service outcomes to council.
They reported 342 individuals counted on the night of July 15, 2024 — 265 sheltered and 77 unsheltered — and noted an upward trend over recent years even though total counts remain below the city’s 2012 winter peak. Demographic and needs data showed most unsheltered people were adults (74% male; 84% age 25–64) and that the most commonly reported proximate causes were relationship conflicts and job loss. Presenters emphasized that many people who become homeless were already in precarious housing situations.
City staff highlighted successful outcomes: a lower return-to-homelessness rate (down from 27% in 2018 to 15% in fiscal year 2023) and more than 200 individuals housed directly from unsheltered status so far in 2024. Using ARPA move-in assistance funds, the city reported helping 60 households move into permanent housing this year (about $66,000 spent).
Speakers asked the council to support several near-term actions: (1) $120,000 to create consistent seven-day-a-week daytime transportation linking shelters to day services and providers, (2) advocacy for state-funded voucher programs to supplement federal vouchers (local housing authority had paused new leasing because of funding constraints), and (3) expansion of the city’s revolving loan fund for affordable housing via a dedicated revenue source.
Councilmembers thanked providers, raised encampment and behavioral-health concerns and asked staff to convene business and service-provider partners; city staff said they will provide follow-up cost and program details for council consideration.
