Wichita-Sedgwick County 2024 Point-In-Time Homeless Count Results Released

Note: As of January 2024, Impact ICTContinuum of Care is known as the Coalition to End Homelessness in Wichita/Sedgwick County. Learn more at unitedwayplains.org/endhomelessness.

The annual Point-In-Time (PIT) Homeless Count is a national effort undertaken once a year by professionals and volunteers to count those who are currently experiencing homeless in communities across the United States. The results provide a snapshot of persons encountered during the one-day count and are used to identify resources needed to address this important issue, make local funding decisions, study trends and increase awareness about those who don’t have shelter. The Coalition to End Homelessness in Wichita/Sedgwick County conducts this survey in Wichita–Sedgwick County for one 24-hour period. It is coordinated and managed by United Way of the Plains. The results are reported to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and published on their website.

When was this year’s count?

This year, the count for Wichita-Sedgwick County was held for one 24-hour period on Jan. 25, 2024, for the preceding night of Jan. 24.

Key facts in this year’s count

  • In Wichita and Sedgwick County, KS, 691 persons were identified as homeless (those living in emergency shelter, transitional housing, safe haven, or places not meant for human habitation, such as in cars or on the streets).
  • The total number of homeless persons decreased by 12 persons, or a 1.5% decrease when compared with 2023.
  • Of the 691 individuals identified as homeless, 188 or 21% were unsheltered. This was an increase of 25% over those counted as unsheltered in 2023.

What factors can influence the annual count?

  • Weather conditions (More people will seek shelter on colder days.)
  • Variations in local, state and national homelessness prevention funding
  • Changes in shelter locations
  • Fluctuating economic conditions
  • Local housing costs and availability
  • Count methodology (including having more volunteers resulting in additional geographic coverage)

Who conducted the count?

The 2024 PIT Homeless Count was made possible by local housing and homeless providers, including the City of Wichita, Sedgwick County and nonprofit agency volunteers. A total of 138 volunteers assisted with the survey interviews, data collection and logistics. The initiative is organized and coordinated by United Way of the Plains through the Coalition to End Homelessness in Wichita/Sedgwick County (formerly known as the Impact ICT-Continuum of Care).

What is the Coalition to End Homelessness in Wichita/Sedgwick County?

The coalition works to make homelessness rare, brief and non-recurring for all our neighbors. It is comprised of representatives from area nonprofits, the faith community, businesses, and community advocates as well as federal, state and local governments. Together, the coalition works to resolve homelessness by coordinating and providing client-directed services and housing, annually applying for grant funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and eliminating housing barriers. Check this link for the area housing programs that are currently funded through the $3.16 million HUD grant obtained by the coalition in 2024.

2023 facts shared by the Coalition to End Homelessness:

  • 1,433 individuals were housed or kept in housing
  • The average days of homelessness per person was 37 days (compared to 41 days in 2023)
  • Only 17% of persons who were housed within the last two years returned to homelessness

Where can I learn more?

Visit unitedwayplains.org/endhomelessness to learn more and download the 2024 Point-in-Time Count results.

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Published On: May 23, 2024Tags:

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