Survey shows a drop in the area’s homeless population, but shelter leaders aren’t convinced

The region’s homeless population declined over the past year, according to a survey conducted over the winter months, but nonprofit leaders say they have seen no reduction in demand for services.

The annual Point-in-Time survey is a count led by the federal Department for Housing and Urban Development and is required for its Continuum of Care program, which addresses homelessness by providing funding for efforts by nonprofit providers and state and local governments. All of Montana’s participating outreach programs fall under the same Continuum of Care program, and each area is responsible for administering the survey every winter. 

In Northwest Montana, the survey encompasses the entire Flathead Valley and all the way down to Ronan. In 2024, participants counted 199 homeless people as compared to 263 in 2023.