Homelessness in Seattle

The Seattle homelessness crisis is a highly visible issue, with tents of the displaced dotted along freeways, behind office buildings, and even lining busy city streets and sidewalks. However, many people are unaware of the grim facts and numbers that give the Seattle homeless population the third place spot for largest metro area homeless population in the country. Below are some statistics that give a better understanding of why the homelessness crisis is so pressing in this area, and why it is so important for us to help any way that we can.

• In January 2020, the annual one-night count revealed that 11,751 individuals were homeless in King County alone.

• Statewide, estimates indicate a homeless population of approximately 22,300.

• In Washington, 30 of every 10,000 people are homeless .

• In King County, 47% of the homeless population is unsheltered.

The pandemic has only exacerbated the issue. Since 2020…

• Tents in urban Seattle have increased by 50%.

• ~1,400 people were pushed out of crowded shelters and onto the streets.