The 2024 PIT count found that on any given night in King County, there are an estimated 16,385 individuals experiencing homelessness. This is 23% higher than the 2022 PIT estimate, which when adjusted for population growth during the same period, represents a 12% increase over changes expected due to population increase.
Recent updates on homelessness in King County reveal a growing crisis and intensified efforts to address it. The latest Point-in-Time (PIT) count estimates that 16,385 individuals experience homelessness on any given night in the county, a 23% increase from the 2022 estimate. This rise is attributed to both an actual increase in homelessness and improved counting methodologies. Over the course of a year, nearly 54,000 people are estimated to experience homelessness in King County (KCRHA) (KIRO 7 News Seattle).
In response, the King County Regional Homeless Authority (KCRHA) has developed a five-year plan requiring an estimated $11.8 billion to effectively combat the crisis. The plan includes $8.4 billion in new one-time capital costs and between $1.7 billion and $3.4 billion in annual operating costs. Key goals include reducing unsheltered homelessness, improving service system capacity and efficiency, and ensuring that no family with children has to sleep outside (KIRO 7 News Seattle).
Recent actions include King County's commitment of $3 million to combat homelessness in Tukwila, funding a new shelter project to support individuals and families (KCRHA). Additionally, conflicts have arisen in Burien regarding the enforcement of anti-camping ordinances and the management of homeless encampments, highlighting the ongoing legal and logistical challenges in addressing homelessness at the local level (KCRHA).
For more detailed information, you can visit the King County Regional Homeless Authority's website.
The Top 10 states with the most homeless people:
1. California (171,521)
2. New York (74,178)
3. Florida (25,959)
4. Washington (25,211)
5. Texas (24,432)
6. Oregon (17,959)
7. Massachusetts (15,507)
8. Arizona (13,553)
9. Pennsylvania (12,691)
10. Georgia (10,689)
In the United States, there are over half a million people experiencing homelessness.
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Homeless
On February 15, 2024 Amazon announced a generous donation of $9 million in grants to six local organizations dedicated to addressing homelessness in the Seattle region. The primary beneficiaries include Mary’s Place and Plymouth Housing, with additional funds going to The YMCA, The YWCA, YouthCare, and Friends of Youth.
"As the number of people experiencing homelessness in our region continues to grow, it is important to support the organizations directly helping youth, families, and individuals," said Alice Shobe, Global Director of Amazon in the Community. "From providing cash donations to local nonprofits to address soaring costs and increased demand, to investing more than $550 million to add over 5,500 affordable homes in the Puget Sound, we are committed to helping tackle these challenges."
The $9 million in grants will be distributed as follows:
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Mary’s Place : Amazon is donating $6 million to support its ongoing operations and fund a new affordable housing development in Burien, WA. This project will replace an existing shelter and offer more than 200 beds for emergency family shelter, housing, outreach, and prevention services, along with 90 units of permanently affordable housing developed by Mercy Housing Northwest. "Our partnership with Amazon has brought hope and housing to hundreds of women and families in our community," said Mary’s Place CEO, Dominique Alex. "Today’s generous gift will help us increase critical shelter capacity and make affordable housing more accessible for our guests and neighbors in South King County. We are so grateful to our incredible Amazon neighbors!"
Since 2016, Amazon has committed more than $100 million in cash and in-kind donations to support Mary’s Place’s work to address family homelessness in King County. In 2020, Amazon and Mary's Place united to open the Mary’s Place Family Center in The Regrade—a first-of-its-kind permanent family shelter built inside one of Amazon’s office buildings in its Seattle headquarters. -
Plymouth Housing: Amazon is donating $2 million to support the increased demand for Plymouth Housing’s services. Plymouth Housing works to eliminate homelessness by providing safe, supportive housing and opportunities for stability and improvement. "This incredible investment from Amazon allows Plymouth Housing to bring even more of our neighbors from life on the streets into the dignity of a permanent home," said Karen Lee, CEO of Plymouth Housing. "We look forward to our continued partnership with Amazon and to working together to ensure that our most vulnerable neighbors receive the housing and supportive services they need to thrive and leave homelessness behind for good."
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The YMCA, YWCA, YouthCare, and Friends of Youth: These organizations will use their grant funding to continue their essential work supporting families, women, and youth experiencing homelessness across the region.
Amazon’s latest donation underscores its commitment to addressing homelessness in the Puget Sound area. In addition to supporting these organizations, Amazon continues to invest in increasing affordable housing across the region. Learn more about Amazon’s community impact efforts.
Homeless