Nearly twice as many people living in San Juan County this year had no place to call home compared to the same time a year ago, according to the most recent homeless survey.

Results of the 2015 “Point-in-Time” homeless count, a state-mandated single-day annual survey, show that 133 people living in the San Juans have no stable place to live.

Of the 133 people identified as homeless in the 2015 count, 80 people, including children and disabled persons, were living out-of-doors, in vehicles or in abandoned buildings. The remainder had temporary or unstable living arrangements, typically with family or friends.

The 2015 point-in-time survey was conducted Jan. 29.

Organizers of the count worked with volunteers, family resource centers, food banks, churches, healthcare workers, senior centers, libraries and the sheriff’s office to compile the results. A total of 65 people were identified as homeless in the 2014 count, with 44 of those listed as living out-of-doors.

County organizers anticipated a rise in homeless numbers, due to increased awareness of the survey and having more volunteers to assist with the count. State officials have reportedly seen a jump in the homeless population in many areas in the past year and an increase was expected in the San Juans as well, according to county Affordable Housing Coordinator Melanie Rollins.

Results of previous counts are available at: www.commerce.wa.gov/Programs/housing/Homeless/Pages/Annual-Point-In-Time-Count.aspx

For more information, contact Rollins at, 360-370-7526, melanier@sanjuanco.com.