Why one Seattle organization says new data doesn't measure Native homelessness accurately — again

A new estimate for the number of unhoused people in King County is out. 

Over the past two years, the new data shows a 9% increase in the homeless population on any given night in King County, and over 18,000 homeless people in the region.

One of the standout data points?  The new count also suggests a nearly 11 percent decrease in the number of Indigenous people who are unhoused in our region, since 2020.

And that should be good news.

But the county’s only urban housing and homelessness service provider dedicated to Native people says the latest figures represent an undercount. And according to them, it’s not the first time.

Guest

Derrick Belgarde, executive director, Chief Seattle Club

Related Links

The Chief Seattle club's initial statement 

King County finds 9% rise in homelessness since 2024 - The Seattle Times

2026 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count Initial Report - King County Regional Homelessness Authority


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