During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the results of the biannual point-in-time count of the unsheltered population, revealing a concerning trend of rising numbers across the four counties served. The count, conducted every January and July, aims to provide a snapshot of homelessness in the area and connect individuals with necessary services.

The presentation highlighted a significant increase in the unsheltered population, with numbers reportedly doubling since January 2024. The speaker emphasized the collaborative effort required for the count, which involves numerous volunteers who engage with the unsheltered to gather demographic information and offer referrals to housing programs.

In a detailed breakdown, the speaker shared statistics from Eau Claire, illustrating a steady rise in reported individuals over the past five years. For instance, the count recorded only 7 individuals in July 2020, which has escalated to higher figures in subsequent years. However, it was noted that there were 26 individuals who could not be counted due to insufficient demographic information.

This data underscores the growing challenge of homelessness in the region and the need for continued community engagement and support to address the issue effectively.