Nye County, recognized as the third largest rural county in Nevada by population, reported a slight decrease in the number of unhoused individuals this year compared to last year. However, it still holds the distinction of having the highest rate of homelessness among non-urban areas in the state.
In contrast, Lyon County, which stands as the most populous rural county in Nevada, along with Churchill County, experienced a staggering nearly 100% increase in the number of individuals facing homelessness this year, as illustrated by the latest figures.
The annual Rural Nevada Continuum of Care Point-in-Time Count, aimed at providing a comprehensive snapshot of homelessness across the region, revealed a 7% growth in the homeless population within rural areas of Nevada.
The count, which took place in January, involves a meticulous process that spans several months to compile and analyze the results.
The troubling increase in rural homelessness reflects a wider trend observed in Nevada’s urban counties, notably Clark and Washoe, where rates of homelessness have similarly escalated.
The rural count identified 439 adults experiencing homelessness across the 15 rural counties during the 2024 PIT count. Approximately 348 individuals, constituting about three-fourths of the total, were found to be unsheltered at the time, while 91 individuals were found in transitional housing or emergency shelter beds.
Data indicated that 52% of those residing in shelters reported having a consistent source of income, although the report did not specify the nature of this income. Furthermore, among the unsheltered population, 39% had a steady income source, leaving 47% without any known income.
A significant portion of those counted, about a third, reported experiencing chronic homelessness, a state characterized by being unhoused for over a year and often struggling with serious mental health issues, substance abuse, or physical disabilities.
A notable 25% of the unsheltered population in rural areas was living in vehicles, while 11% resided in outdoor encampments.
Among youth, a substantial majority of 752 individuals were identified as doubled up, living with family or other individuals, while 92 were found to be unsheltered.
In January, when the count was conducted, Fuller-Hallauer mentioned that adjustments were being made to improve accuracy, including counting individuals in motels only if their accommodations were paid for by social service agencies.
During the 2024 count, Nye County recorded 123 individuals experiencing homelessness, a decline from the 139 individuals counted in the previous year. Out of this total, only 13 were in transitional housing.
In Nye County, the largest segment of the 110 individuals living unsheltered were residing in vehicles (37%), followed by those living in outdoor encampments (23%).
Lyon County documented a total of 112 individuals experiencing homelessness this year, marking a 72% increase from the 2023 count, which recorded only 65 individuals. Alarmingly, the entire population of those counted in Lyon County was unsheltered.
The findings revealed that a significant majority, specifically 74% of the unhoused individuals in Lyon County, were living in vehicles. Furthermore, 43% had access to a consistent source of income.
In Churchill County, merely four individuals were utilizing emergency shelter at the time of the count, with the remaining population being unsheltered.
Carson City, which had previously reported the second largest rural unhoused population in 2023, observed a notable reduction in its figures this year, identifying only 70 individuals during the 2024 PIT count, with 39 of them being unsheltered. This marks a sharp decrease from the 130 individuals counted the previous year.
“We are asking that if they did a canvassing and saw nobody to identify that as a zero rather than an ‘N/A’ so we can truly identify those folks that did something and found zero versus N/A meaning they didn’t do anything,” Fuller-Hallauer conveyed to the Current in January.
Pershing County, which had not conducted a homeless count from 2015 to 2023, uncovered six individuals experiencing homelessness this year.
**Interview with Sarah Fuller-Hallauer, Director of the Rural Nevada Continuum of Care**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Sarah. The data from this year’s Point-in-Time Count reveals some concerning trends in rural homelessness. Can you start by outlining the significant findings from the report?
**Sarah Fuller-Hallauer:** Thank you for having me. This year’s Point-in-Time Count highlighted a 7% increase in the homeless population across rural Nevada, which is troubling. While Nye County reported a slight decrease in the number of unhoused individuals, it still maintains the highest homelessness rate among our non-urban areas. In stark contrast, both Lyon and Churchill Counties saw a near doubling of their homeless populations – that’s a staggering figure.
**Editor:** That’s quite alarming. What factors do you think are contributing to the rise in homelessness, especially in places like Lyon and Churchill Counties?
**Sarah Fuller-Hallauer:** The increase can often be linked to economic factors, rising housing costs, and a lack of affordable housing options. Rural areas face unique challenges compared to urban centers, such as fewer resources and services dedicated to homelessness. Additionally, the ripple effects of the pandemic still affect employment and housing stability, making it harder for individuals to maintain their homes.
**Editor:** You mentioned in the report that a significant number of those identified as unsheltered do have some form of income. What does this suggest about the nature of homelessness in these rural areas?
**Sarah Fuller-Hallauer:** It shows that homelessness isn’t solely an issue of income but also of affordability and availability of housing. Many individuals have steady income sources but still can’t secure stable housing. It also highlights the complexity of homelessness – with about a third of those counted experiencing chronic homelessness, we’re looking at a population that often deals with more profound issues like mental health challenges and substance abuse.
**Editor:** It’s disheartening to hear that chronic homelessness remains such a persistent problem. What initiatives or adjustments are being made this year to address these issues?
**Sarah Fuller-Hallauer:** We are actively working to enhance our data collection methods to better capture the realities on the ground. For instance, we are now counting individuals in motels only if their stays are paid for by social service agencies. Additionally, we’re investing in partnerships with local organizations to provide more comprehensive support services, and we’re looking into creating more affordable housing options tailored for rural needs.
**Editor:** With youth homelessness also comprising a significant portion, what are we doing to support this vulnerable population?
**Sarah Fuller-Hallauer:** Youth homelessness is particularly concerning, as many young people are doubled up with families or living unsheltered. We need targeted interventions for youth, including programs that provide not just shelter but also education and job training opportunities. Collaboration with schools and youth services can help identify at-risk youth earlier and connect them with resources.
**Editor:** Thank you, Sarah, for sharing these insights and your efforts to combat homelessness in rural Nevada. It’s a complex issue, but awareness and action are the first steps toward meaningful change.
**Sarah Fuller-Hallauer:** Thank you for having me. I believe that with continued community engagement and support, we can make significant strides in addressing homelessness in our rural regions.