Over the last year, Topeka and Shawnee County saw its homeless population grow, according to the annual Point in Time Homeless Count.
The count took place on Wednesday, January 26, 2022. The one-day event provides a snapshot of the individuals in our community who are experiencing homelessness, as defined by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Nearly 50 people helped with this year’s count.
According to the count, 365 people, and 297 households are experiencing homelessness in Topeka and Shawnee County. 64% of those who are homeless are male, while 36% are female. 40% of the homeless population are unsheltered, meaning they are not living in an emergency shelter or in transitional housing.
“The increase in the number of unsheltered homeless is no surprise to the Topeka/Shawnee County Homeless Task Force,” said Corrie Wright, Division Director of Housing Services for the City of Topeka. “The pandemic has made it more challenging to house people and we are desperately working on the solution. The count helps us recognize this disparity and fix it as quickly as possible.”
Below is a chart that breaks down the numbers from 2020, 2021 and 2022. For a more detailed look at the 2022 numbers, visit https://cot-wp-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/HousingSvcs/Point+in+Time+Count+-+2022.pdf.
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | |
| People | 401 | 298 | 365 |
| Households | 306 | 123 | 297 |
| % of Veteran Households | 10 | 16 | 10 |
| % in an Emergency Shelter | 63 | 52 | 45 |
| % in Transitional Housing | 13 | 13 | 15 |
| % Unsheltered | 24 | 35 | 40 |
To receive funding for programs, HUD requires communities complete a count each year. The count ensures the City can obtain the appropriate level of funding to be able to provide needed services to those experiencing homelessness and those at risk for homelessness.