Chelan County to conduct annual homeless Point-in-Time Count on Jan. 29

WENATCHEE — Chelan County and community partners will conduct the annual Homeless Point-in-Time Count from 7 a.m. to noon Thursday, Jan. 29, at the Salvation Army Social Services Office in Wenatchee.

The count is required annually by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and Washington State Commerce to survey people experiencing homelessness. Data collected is used to document local and national needs for homeless housing and services. Chelan County has coordinated the event for the area for the past five years.

In addition to the centralized count site in Wenatchee, outreach teams from nonprofit organizations will conduct surveys across Chelan and Douglas counties. Chelan Valley HOPE will cover the Chelan Valley and northern Douglas County, while Upper Valley MEND will cover the Cascade School District service area and Cashmere.

Surveys are designed to collect information on living situations, including how long individuals have been without permanent housing, where they sleep, where they are from and whether they have been denied shelter access or would use a shelter if available. Demographic questions include race, gender, veteran status, the number of children under 18 in a household and whether individuals are fleeing domestic violence.

The event also provides an opportunity for housing and service providers to connect directly with people in need while offering resources such as backpacks, gloves, socks, hand warmers and food. Backpacks are provided by the Community Action Council in partnership with Chelan County.

During the 2025 Point-in-Time Count, 104 people were interviewed, a decrease of 37 from 2024. Of those interviewed, 88 identified as chronically unsheltered and 46 reported it was their first time experiencing homelessness. An additional 405 people were recorded as staying in emergency shelters, transitional housing programs, RV Safe Parks or hotels through emergency voucher programs, an increase of 64 from the previous year.

Individuals interested in volunteering for the 2026 event can contact Madison Calloway, Chelan County homeless program supervisor at either Madison.Calloway@co.chelan.wa.us or 509-667-6685.