EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) — The 2025 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count has revealed a concerning increase in homelessness across El Paso County, highlighting both the growing need and the ongoing struggle to secure adequate resources.
The Pikes Peak Continuum of Care (PPCoC), in partnership with ChangeLine (formerly Community Health Partnership), identified 1,745 individuals experiencing homelessness on the night of January 26, 2025, including:
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522 people living unsheltered
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1,223 individuals staying in emergency shelters or transitional housing
While the number is higher than in past years, officials say the increase may be due to improved outreach and data collection rather than a sudden spike. However, the count likely underrepresents people in unstable housing situations, living in vehicles, or fleeing domestic violence.
Annual Homelessness Numbers Much Higher
The State of Homelessness Report, released in May, estimated that 6,846 people experienced homelessness in El Paso County over the course of a year — a stark contrast to the single-night PIT count.
“No single number can tell us everything,” said Becky Treece, Chair of the PPCoC Board. “Homelessness is complex, and we need to use all the data available to understand what’s contributing to it and how to respond.”
Key Takeaways: Demand Exceeds Capacity
The PIT Count revealed several pressing issues:
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More people are unsheltered than there are available emergency beds.
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Chronic homelessness remains high, with many individuals living with disabling conditions and long-term housing instability.
Despite the clear need, shelters are facing budget shortfalls:
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The Salvation Army reported a $1 million deficit earlier this month.
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Springs Rescue Mission has cut staff due to reduced federal funding.
“The city doesn’t have the money to fill that gap,” said Aimee Cox, Chief Housing and Homeless Officer for Colorado Springs.
Treece echoed this concern:
“Even with our current capacity and everyone working as hard as they can, we are not meeting the need.”
Call for Community Support and Federal Action
Treece urged the public to support local homeless shelters and reach out to federal representatives to advocate for increased funding.
Mayor Yemi’s Response: ‘Data Drives Solutions’
Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi released a statement emphasizing the value of the PIT Count:
“The Point-in-Time Count offers more than numbers — it offers insight. That’s why I chose ‘data’ as the City’s word of the year. It helps us move beyond assumptions to real, measurable solutions.”
The mayor pointed to the Homeless Response Action Plan, which includes:
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Expanding transitional housing
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Boosting outreach downtown
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Targeted enforcement
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Strengthening community partnerships
“I’m grateful to the volunteers and providers who made this year’s count possible. With data in hand and shared purpose, I believe we can move closer to a city where homelessness is rare, brief, and nonrecurring.”
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Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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