2,037 Homeless Individuals According to the 2017 Idaho Point-in-Time Count

Downloadable PDF

BOISE, Idaho – Results from Idaho’s annual Point-in-Time (PIT) count show the state’s homeless population continues to hover at 2,000 on average. The count remains consistent with the numbers reported the last six years. The state’s 2017 homeless population count, completed the night of January 25, 2017, was 2,037 or 9.3 percent less than last year’s count.

For the first time, Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA), the coordinator of Idaho’s PIT count, produced a graphical presentation of the data collected. The easy-to-understand infographic includes sheltered vs. unsheltered; household types; characteristics such as age, gender and race/ethnicity; and specifics regarding homeless youth (24 years old and younger). A statewide summary featuring regional breakdowns of PIT results follows (summaries of all regions of the state are available at
www.idahohousing.com.)

IHFA coordinates with regional housing coalitions around the state who recruit local volunteers to conduct the count in January. Data collected during the one-night “snapshot” is used to assess current and ongoing needs of Idaho’s homeless.

“The severity of January’s winter weather complicated the process of conducting this year’s count while also underscoring the importance of the team’s collective efforts to help shelter the homeless. Hundreds of volunteers helped with this year’s count and we are grateful for their dedication,” says Brady Ellis, Idaho Housing’s vice president of housing support programs. “This year’s count follows year-over-year trends and provides helpful information about Idaho’s current homeless population. It also guides and informs our efforts with partnering housing providers to reduce homelessness in Idaho.”

While the numbers collected during the Point-in-Time count are noteworthy, it’s also important to recognize the associated limitations. The weather in January was unusually frigid with significant snow accumulations. Recruiting volunteers willing to brave the conditions and actually locating homeless people, who were availing themselves of any opportunity to escape the elements, was challenging. In addition, people unwilling to answer volunteer questions cannot be included in the count. A fact sheet providing definitions and details about the PIT count is available on www.idahohousing.com.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires an annual count of sheltered individuals and a biennial count of unsheltered individuals in order to receive federal funding to aid the homeless. Based on 2016 PIT data, a nationwide total of 549,928 individuals were homeless on a single night in January 2016. PIT data tables from every state in the country are available on HUD’s website.

About Idaho Housing and Finance Association
Idaho Housing and Finance Association is a financial services and housing business organization. IHFA’s mission is to improve lives and strengthen Idaho communities by expanding housing opportunities, building self-sufficiency, and fostering economic development.