Homeless numbers in Topeka a mystery as results of annual count are delayed

TOPEKA (KSNT) - This year's count of Topeka's homeless population is experiencing delays with the results not expected to be released for months to come. So what is the hold up?

The City of Topeka announced on Jan. 16, 2024 it would be conducting another annual Point in Time Homeless Count with the help of city staff and volunteers. Surveys of the homeless population are required each year for Topeka to receive funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

27 News reached out to city staff to learn what is preventing this year's homeless statistics from being released. City spokeswoman Rosie Nichols told 27 News on April 22 the results might be released by the end of May.

Taylor Bugg, another spokeswoman for the City of Topeka, later told 27 News on May 22 the results will not be released until sometime in August. This is to coordinate with statewide efforts involving several other agencies across the Sunflower State.

"The Topeka and Shawnee County Continuum of Care has joined efforts with other continuum of care agencies across the state to create a more collaborative approach on the issue of homelessness," Bugg said. "As a part of that effort statewide partners will be putting together a release containing point-in-time data from multiple agencies across the State of Kansas."

The Point in Time Homeless Count aims to identify how many people are experiencing homelessness in Topeka. For the count to be effective, the city asks those who are homeless, or know of someone who is, to reach out to city staff by either visiting the Holliday Building or making a phone call.

In 2023, the City of Topeka said the homeless population was at a four-year high with a little more than 400 people listed as homeless. Several strategies, including the addition of a new homeless shelter and tiny homes, are being considered by city leadership to combat homelessness in the Capital City.

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