From the Corvallis Gazette Times:

There are at least 130 more people experiencing homelessness in Benton County than there were last year, according to an annual head count. 

Meanwhile, the count tallied 76 fewer people experiencing homelessness in Linn County. 

The so-called “point-in-time” count of unsheltered people is required by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  Locally, it’s conducted by the Community Services Consortium that serves Benton, Linn, and Lincoln Counties. 

…

Karla Brouhard, the communications manager for the consortium, said in a news release that the count is never exact – especially in largely rural counties like Linn, Benton, and Lincoln.  However, she said it remains an important tool for guiding housing development, shelter funding, outreach efforts, and long–term planning. 

This year‘s count indicated a total of 1,502 people experiencing homelessness across the three counties, a modest increase from last year‘s total…

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