The Homeless Leadership Coalition (HLC) has released results from its 2026 Point-in-Time Count, showing a significant regional improvement — but a mixed picture for Jefferson County specifically.
Regional Progress
Across the four-county Central Oregon region — Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties, plus the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs — the count recorded 1,706 people experiencing homelessness in January 2026, a decline of 19.1% from 2025.
HLC Chair Eliza Wilson credited expanded state funding and increased shelter capacity. "We housed more people in 2025 than any year before because we had access to resources," Wilson said. About 1,800 people transitioned into housing during the year — a record for the region.
Jefferson County's Complicated Picture
The data for Jefferson County reveals a more troubling local trend. Despite having a shelter in Madras, the 2026 count found 80 individuals unsheltered in Jefferson County, compared to only 23 who were in sheltered situations — a stark imbalance that suggests the county's shelter capacity is falling well short of the need.
The gap between sheltered and unsheltered residents points to a systemic challenge: while the regional picture is improving, Jefferson County's rural geography, limited affordable housing stock, and distance from Bend-based services continue to leave many residents without stable housing options.
What Comes Next
State and local officials have pointed to ongoing investments in shelter infrastructure and housing placement as key drivers of the regional improvement. The question for Jefferson County advocates is how to replicate those gains locally — particularly for the unsheltered population that is not accessing existing services.
The Homeless Leadership Coalition conducts the Point-in-Time Count annually in late January. It is used by local governments and nonprofits to guide resource allocation and federal funding requests through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Residents seeking assistance can contact the Jefferson County Housing Authority or call 211 Oregon for connections to local services.