New numbers show the homeless population in Snohomish County is increasing.
This year’s Point in Time homeless count found 2,382 people in 1,401 families without a permanent place to stay. That compares to last year’s final count of 2,273 people in 1,385 families.
An estimated 829 were homeless children, 115 were homeless veterans and 381 said they were victims of domestic violence.
“While there are signs that the national economy is improving, we’re still seeing the effects of the Great Recession,” said County Executive Aaron Reardon. “We must find new ways to help families without a home as well as those on the brink of losing their homes.”
The numbers are divided into three categories: those in an emergency shelter or transitional housing (1,336 people), those on the streets (723 people) and those that are precariously housed — often referred to as “couch surfing” (323 people).
Numbers specific to Lynnwood were not available.
“Statistics gathered will help the county determine how different populations are affected by homelessness as well as better ways to help them,” said Ken Stark, Snohomish County’s Human Services director.
The Point in Time count is a federal requirement. The results help secure federal and state funding to fight homelessness.
Homeless children? Really? Define this please? What is a child? 8 years old? 18? No parents? Grandparents? Neighbors? Friends? Are there little urchins running around on the streets alone aka Charles Dickens?
I’d imagine a child is considered to be anybody younger than 18.