At the end of every year, both state and federal governments release reports on the state of homelessness. These reports often highlight what was accomplished and outline plans for the year ahead. The most recent report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) revealed an 18% increase in homelessness nationwide, following an 11% increase the year before. By every measurable statistic, the situation is getting worse—much worse—despite the millions upon millions of dollars being spent to address the problem.
Here in Oregon, the governor recently extended Executive Order 24-02 (Emergency Homeless Response) for the third year in a row, stating, “We must stay the course on what we see working.” The troubling reality is that the course we are on clearly is not working. The number of people experiencing homelessness continues to rise.
How Are These Numbers Determined?
You may wonder where these homelessness numbers come from. It’s a fair question.
Each year, communities across the country conduct a census known as the Point-in-Time (PIT) count, a survey designed by HUD. These numbers determine how much funding each community receives to support housing-first initiatives, low-barrier shelters, and related services.
This year, the PIT count took place on Sunday, January 26. During the following week, census takers canvassed areas where people experiencing homelessness are known to gather. Individuals were asked where they slept that night, along with deeply personal questions such as:
- Do you struggle with addiction?
- How long have you been homeless?
- What is your nationality?
- What is your sexual identity?
- Are you fleeing an abusive relationship?
For many, this process is deeply dehumanizing. It forces people to relive their suffering without offering a real solution within reach. Over the past twenty years of PIT counts, one thing has remained constant: people consistently walk away from the experience feeling dejected.
The Cost of Counting Without Change
Over the years, we have spoken with many individuals who have grown apathetic toward the PIT count. They hear the same questions year after year and are told that the government needs these figures to better understand the problem and allocate resources. Yet for those who are suffering, life on the streets continues to grow harder.
This situation brings to mind a speech President Ronald Reagan gave over forty years ago while addressing farmers at the Illinois State Fair. Acknowledging the government’s long history of harmful policies, he opened with these now-famous words:
“The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: ‘I’m from the government and I’m here to help.’”
In a similar way, endlessly counting people experiencing homelessness sends the message: We’re here to help. Trust us with your problems. We know what’s best for you.
The Question That Changes Everything
But there is a far better question—one that is never asked by a PIT census taker, and one that can bring real, lasting change. It is the question we ask every day at the Medford Gospel Mission:
What is your relationship with God?
We ask this because Jesus came to seek and save the lost, and our community is full of people who are lost—separated from God and His people, and desperately in need of restored relationship with Him.
It’s easy to become discouraged when politicians boast in spending and promise solutions that never materialize. But the state of poverty in our community is not hopeless. God continues to restore lives through the faithful work of His people, and by His grace, the Medford Gospel Mission will continue to reach the lost, gather the reached, and make an incredible difference for Christ in our community.
Partner with us in God’s work of relational restoration.