Pierce County is seeing more people without homes. The 2025 Point-in-Time Count found 2,955 homeless individuals, an 11% increase from last year. Officials say the main cause is the lack of affordable housing, something service providers have long warned about.
According to Pierce County, since 2015, homelessness in Pierce County has nearly doubled, rising with the sharp increase in home prices. Rental rates have also doubled over the past decade, leading to more evictions and housing insecurity. "This crisis didn’t happen overnight – it’s the direct result of a housing market that has simply become unaffordable for too many of our neighbors," said County Executive Ryan N. Mello.
In the past six months, 17,500 people in Pierce County asked for help with homelessness, but only 1,375 found permanent housing. Still, 84% of those who did are able to stay housed for at least two years, showing that stable housing works—if more affordable homes become available.
In the first half of the year, Pierce County’s eviction prevention program helped 698 households stay in their homes, even as requests for rental aid surged. "We know affordable housing is the solution and are tackling it head-on and building the foundation for real, measurable progress," said Human Services Director Gary Gant. Still, the county is struggling to keep up with the growing need.
Pierce County is rolling out new strategies to address homelessness and make housing more affordable. The Maureen Howard Affordable Housing Act has raised over $25 million since 2023 to build and maintain affordable homes. Recent land use and zoning changes could allow up to 250,000 more housing units. The county has also opened a Shelter Access Hub for after-hours help and launched programs with millions in funding to support homeless youth.
Pierce County leaders say the 2025 homelessness count shows a sharp rise, but note the numbers are also more accurate thanks to better outreach and more volunteers. Despite the challenges, officials stress that affordable housing is key to community safety and unity, a priority under County Executive Mello’s Forward Together initiative.
