Staff Reports
In King County, the number of people experiencing homelessness has reached an all-time high, according to the latest count by the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA). The count, conducted in January, revealed that 16,385 individuals are currently homeless in the county, marking a significant 22.6% increase from the previous count in 2022. This continues a trend of rising homelessness, as in 2020, there were 11,751 homeless people counted.
The KCRHA’s budget for 2024 is set at $249.1 million, with Seattle providing the largest portion of funding at 42%, which amounts to $104.67 million. Despite the increased funding, the number of homeless individuals in the region continues to rise, raising questions about the effectiveness of current approaches to addressing homelessness.
Latest homeless count in King County breaks record with more than 16,000 https://t.co/DKRNPL9hyv
— The Center Square Washington (@TCSWashington) May 17, 2024
It is important to note that the point-in-time count may not capture the full extent of homelessness in the region. This count is conducted every other year and is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
While the KCRHA is responsible for coordinating funding and services for unhoused people in King County, it did not respond to requests for comment on the latest count. Additionally, the office of Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell has stated that it is reviewing the data to inform future efforts to address homelessness.
Comparatively, the number of homeless individuals in Los Angeles and San Francisco is also substantial, with 71,320 and 7,784 individuals experiencing homelessness, respectively. These numbers highlight the widespread issue of homelessness in urban areas across the United States.
The rising numbers of homelessness in King County despite increased funding raises questions about the effectiveness of current strategies in addressing this issue. As the region grapples with this crisis, it remains to be seen what measures will be taken to mitigate the growing problem of homelessness in King County.
