HAYS COUNTY, Texas — Hays County officials say as the population continues to grow, so does the number of unhoused people.
County officials say there are several factors leading to the increase of unhoused people.
“The general population growth with Austin growing bigger," Behavioral Health Coordinator Peyton Wagner said. "We are seeing more people come this way so that's natural. Obviously, cost of living, and social determinants of health are huge."
Each year volunteers in counties across the country spend one night counting the number of homeless people so they can send that data to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
According to Hays County's last "Point In Time" count in January, more than 200 people were unhoused in the county. Wagner admits the survey is done in just one day and does not give completely accurate numbers.
"I think it is bigger. That's not a full picture of what are experiencing here," Wagner said. "That's what we were able to gather."
However, the count does give a snapshot. The county will do another "PIT" count on Jan. 23, 2025, by teaming up with volunteers and the San Marcos Police Department's Homeless Outreach Team.
The groups will go to Dripping Springs, Buda, Kyle, San Marcos, and Wimberley. While they gather numbers Wagner said it's also an opportunity to try to help those who are unhoused.
"Making sure we have stuff to hand to them that they may need, letting them know different resources, case managers, they can connect that might be able to help various service needs," Wagner said.
The count also goes towards getting housing vouchers from the federal government. Wagner hopes they can get 80 volunteers for January's count. If you're interested in helping, you can contact Wagner or Tyler Staton through the county's website.