Clark County faces ongoing crisis amid areas of progress
VANCOUVER, Wash. (August 22, 2025) — Council for the Homeless has released the 2024 Homeless Crisis Response System Report for Clark County, offering a detailed look at both progress and persistent challenges in addressing homelessness in the region.
In 2024, 8,894 people from 3,804 households experienced homelessness in Clark County. While this represents a less than 2% increase in the number of people from 2023, the number of households decreased by 14%, signaling a rise in the average size of families experiencing homelessness. Alarmingly, 58% of individuals identified as newly homeless — a percentage unchanged from the previous year.
“These numbers highlight the urgent need for more affordable housing and continued collaboration across the entire response system,” said Sesany Fennie-Jones, chief executive officer at Council for the Homeless. “The data makes one thing clear: Solving homelessness in Clark County will take all of us, working together, with the right tools and resources.”
The 2024 data reveals that 43% of households experiencing homelessness identified as Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC). This is a reminder of the racial disparities that persist in housing access and stability.
Additionally, 2,583 children under the age of 18 were among those who experienced homelessness in 2024, underlining the need for family- and youth-specific solutions.
Despite the continued high demand, several positive outcomes emerged in 2024:
- 49% increase in families stabilized through rental assistance
- 10% increase in veterans entering housing programs
- 8% increase in youth and young adults (YYA) housed through coaching and financial support
- 91% of people who entered Permanent Supportive Housing in 2023 remained housed for at least one year
- 87% of those housed in 2022 remained stably housed after two years
“Each percentage point of progress represents a human seeking stability,” CFTH Chief Operating Officer Sunny Wonder said. “Behind every data point is a child, a parent, or a veteran who now has a safe place to sleep. We must continue to invest in what works and scale those solutions.”
The Homeless Response System relies on real-time, person-specific data tools, such as By-Name Lists and Case Conferencing, to identify people in need, coordinate services, and track outcomes. These tools have proven successful, particularly for vulnerable populations such as youth and young adults; veterans; and individuals experiencing chronic homelessness.
In 2024, the CFTH Housing Hotline received nearly 70,000 calls, illustrating the scale of need and the crucial role of centralized access to services. With more than 5,000 people newly homeless in 2024 alone, the crisis is far from over. The need for data-informed, equity-driven housing solutions is critical to reversing this trend. Additional resources are needed to scale proven solutions and fulfill the mission to prevent and end homelessness in Clark County.
“Homelessness is not an individual failure; it’s a community challenge that requires community solutions,” Fennie-Jones added. “If we want to see fewer people without homes in Clark County, we must act boldly and collaboratively to remove the barriers that keep people from safe and stable housing.”
The full 2024 Homeless Crisis Response System Report for Clark County, Wash., is available at https://www.councilforthehomeless.org/by-the-numbers/annual-system-data/. A public dashboard displaying data from publicly funded homeless services agencies, updated monthly, is available at www.councilforthehomeless.org/system-dashboard.
About Council for the Homeless: Council for the Homeless (CFTH) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness in Clark County, WA, by providing community leadership, compelling advocacy, and practical solutions to solve homelessness on an individual and community level. Founded in 1989, CFTH serves as the lead agency and coordinated entry for delivery of homeless services through the Continuum of Care for Homeless Services in Clark County, WA.
- Battle Ground shooting suspect arrested, second suspect still outstanding
Theodore Seaman, 44, was arrested for Drive-By Shooting; a second suspect fled on foot and has not been located. - High school football: Odd schedule leads to early start to league play in 4A GSHL
The 4A GSHL’s six-game schedule forces all four teams to play each other twice, a first since 2015. - High school football: Skyview takes down Camas for first win in rivalry since 2011
Adarius Sparrow caught three touchdown passes, including two in the fourth quarter, to seal Skyview’s 38-21 win over Camas. - Camas School District Legislative Advocacy Committee to host Candidate Forum
Six candidates from two federal and state districts will answer education questions at Discovery High School on Oct. 5. - Vehicle drives into Camas townhouse
A vehicle backing into a parking stall jumped a curb and struck a Camas townhouse, causing extensive damage but no injuries. - Business profile: Cowlitz Indian Tribe now running the steakhouse at ilani, ‘Sovereign’
Sovereign, the new fine-dining steakhouse at ilani, marks a major milestone in the Cowlitz Indian Tribe’s move toward self-operating all restaurants at the casino. - Northwest rail fans eager for Sept. 30 debut of Amtrak’s Airo fleet
Amtrak’s 300-passenger Airo trains debut Sept. 30 on Cascades route, adding seats but not speed or frequency.