Homeless: Annual count reveals depth of problem

Housing is hard to access, and those living in poverty have a greater risk of being homeless. The Homeless Housing and Assistance Act requires that each county In Washington conduct an annual point in time count (PIT) of sheltered and unsheltered homeless persons. This census is conducted in accordance with the requirements of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The number of Pierce County families coping with homelessness has increased 50 percent since 2015. Keep in mind the annual PIT survey also undercounts the number of families sleeping outside or in places not meant for human habitation.

The next PIT count will be conducted in January and will have important implications for the future. Families are increasingly coping with being homeless. The best way we can help local families is to educate our community and contact city officials to fund more housing.

This story was originally published December 14, 2016 at 6:16 PM with the headline "Homeless: Annual count reveals depth of problem."