Annual Homeless Count January 29
San Juan County’s 2015 Point in Time Homeless Count will be conducted on Thursday, January 29. Count organizers and volunteers work with local family resource centers, food banks, churches, healthcare providers, senior centers, libraries, the sheriff’s office, and many other community support service providers to conduct the count.
The count, initiated by the State of Washington in 2005 (RCW43.185C.030), is conducted annually at the end of January. Agencies not open on the day of the count are authorized to conduct the survey on their business day closest to January 29.
Last year’s San Juan County count identified 65 individuals, 44 of whom were living out of doors, in vehicles, or in abandoned buildings. The remaining 21 people were staying in temporary, unstable living arrangements, often with friends or family. Results of previous counts can be viewed at: www.commerce.wa.gov/Programs/
If you have questions or would like to help with the count, please contact Melanie Rollins, San Juan County Affordable Housing Coordinator, Health & Community Services, 378-4474, melanier@sanjuanco.com
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Concern is growing… I hear from residence nearly weekly who are concerned regarding the lack of rentals available, asking if I know of any as an agent. I always refer them to the island rental agencies, but there are just not enough available. These are not new people inquiring but long term island friends who are wondering if they will have to relocate. Multifamily housing, trailer sites and maybe even a temporary accommodation for those caught between rentals.. a real need currently on Orcas. I do see ads for Friday Harbor available if some are willing to locate there.