Chelan County to conduct Point-in-Time count on Jan. 30

WENATCHEE — Chelan County officials announced plans to expand their annual Homeless Point in Time Count to three locations on January 30 to better identify individuals experiencing homelessness in rural communities across Chelan and Douglas counties.

The count, scheduled from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m., will establish resource fair events at Lighthouse Christian Ministries in Wenatchee, Chelan County Fire District 3 station on Chumstick Highway in Leavenworth, and Chelan Valley Hope in Chelan.

The 2024 count documented 141 people living unsheltered, marking a 20-person increase from 2023. An additional 341 individuals were recorded staying in emergency shelters, transitional housing programs, or hotels through emergency voucher programs, representing a decrease of 27 people from the previous year.

"This is an important day for data collection to better understand the need in the community, but it is also an important day to try and connect more people to the resources available in our community," said Amber Hallberg, Chelan County Community Services manager and co-coordinator of the outreach event.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development and Washington State Commerce mandate the annual survey. Outreach teams collect data on living situations, including duration of homelessness, sleeping arrangements, origin, and shelter access. Participants receive backpacks containing essential items such as gloves, socks, hand warmers, hygiene products, and food.

Mobile teams will expand their reach to rural areas including Orondo, Entiat, Rock Island, Plain, Cashmere, Peshastin, and Dryden. The Columbia Valley Community Health Mobile Clinic will provide on-site medical, mental health, and substance use disorder services at Lighthouse Christian Ministries.

"Last year, there were 22 agencies represented at the event at the Lighthouse. We anticipate seeing the same amount, if not a few more, providers at this year's event," Hallberg said. "This is our third year participating in the Point in Time Count, and we continue to improve upon how we reach the people who need our services the most."

The initiative allows service providers to connect directly with individuals needing assistance, facilitating immediate program enrollment and resource distribution. Coverage areas are distributed among local organizations, with Chelan Valley Hope overseeing the Chelan Valley and Northern Douglas County, while Upper Valley MEND in Leavenworth will manage the Cascade School District service area and Cashmere. Multiple agencies will coordinate outreach efforts in Wenatchee and East Wenatchee.