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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- Jay Inslee and the Legislature have put more than $2.4 billion toward a wide range of efforts to reduce homelessness and address the state's growing housing shortage.