MIDLAND COUNTY, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) – The Midland Homeless Coalition recently released the findings of its 2024 Point in Time Homeless Count, revealing a concerning increase in homelessness within Midland County.

Conducted on January 24, the Coalition said the count provides crucial insights into the state of homelessness in the region.

According to data released, the number of unsheltered homeless people rose sharply from 76 in 2023 to 138 in 2024. Unsheltered homelessness refers to people sleeping in places not meant for habitation, such as abandoned buildings or makeshift tents.

The number of sheltered homeless individuals, or those sleeping in case-managed programs such as homeless shelters, also increased from 179 to 203 in the same time period.

The PIT Count also found 44 chronically homeless individuals, who have been living on the street for more than a year. This is compared to the 35 chronically homeless from last year.

The total count of the combined sheltered and unsheltered homeless is 341 individuals in 2024, a 33% increase from the 255 counted in 2023.

While the Point in Time Count provides valuable data, it does not include individuals who would be counted under the McKinney-Vento definition, which includes those “doubled up” or living in inadequate or temporary housing situations due to economic hardship. The overall homelessness in Midland is substantially higher than what is reflected in the PIT count as a result.

The Midland Homeless Coalition said it remains committed to working collaboratively with local government agencies, nonprofits, and community stakeholders to develop and implement effective strategies to prevent and end homelessness in the community.