Medford, July 9, 2019: With the assistance of 75 volunteers, the Jackson County Continuum of
Care conducted its annual Point in Time (PIT) Count on January 22, 2019. 712 people
experiencing homelessness in Jackson County were identified, a decrease of 2.8% over last year.
37% of those experiencing homelessness were unsheltered, meaning, that they were living in
vehicles or tents or in places not meant for human habitation. The percentage of unsheltered
persons has decreased 8% since the 2018 PIT Count. Approximately two-thirds of those counted
were residing in seasonal shelters, emergency shelters or transitional housing programs.
PIT Count volunteers surveyed people in emergency shelters and transitional housing facilities, at
community meal sites, social service offices and food banks, known camp sites, along the Bear
Creek Greenway, and through street canvassing. Counts occurred in Ashland, Talent, Phoenix,
Medford, Central Point, Gold Hill, Shady Cove, Rogue River, Butte Falls and Prospect.
“I hear many people remarking that persons who are experiencing homelessness come to
Jackson County seeking the homeless services that are offered here. The PIT data helps to dispel
this myth. The majority of those surveyed entered into their most recent episode of homelessness
while already living in Jackson County. When surveyed, nine out of 10 persons identified Jackson
County as their home with 74% of them stating that they most often resided in the Medford area
and 12% in the Ashland area,” said Constance Wilkerson, Jackson County Continuum of Care
Manager.

The top cause reported for homelessness was relational, and included family discord,
breakdown of relationships and divorce (24%). Other primary reasons included
financial/economic hardships (17%), job loss (17%), and evictions (7%).
The majority of those surveyed reported living alone. The 712 individuals represent 618
households, of which 107 households contain a Veteran, 42 households contain at least one
adult and one child, 18 households have 2 or more adults, and 9 households are comprised of
unaccompanied youth under the age of 18.
Included within the count are several self-reported populations: 143 persons with serious mental
illness, 136 with a substance use disorder, and 35 survivors of domestic violence.
The percentage of those who are chronically homeless decreased 18.6% in one year. To be
considered chronically homeless, an individual has experienced homelessness continuously for
at least one year and has a disabling condition or has experienced four episodes of homeless in
three years and has a disabling condition. “This dramatic decrease in the number of persons
who meet the chronically homeless criteria means that the length of homelessness episodes
overall is decreasing. While we are heartened by this decrease, it is important to understand that
1 in 4 of our homeless neighbors currently are chronically homeless and are navigating through
life with chronic conditions. During this year’s PIT Count, two-thirds of those who are chronically
homelessness reported living with two or more disabling conditions,” stated Wilkerson. Of the 190
individuals who self-disclosed one or more disabling conditions, the top responses included
mental health disability, physical disability, chronic health conditions, chronic drug use and
chronic alcohol use.
For more information visit jacksoncountycoc.org or call Constance Wilkerson 541-494-1209 or
email cwilkerson@accesshelps.org

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ABOUT THE JACKSON COUNTY CoC
The Jackson County Continuum of Care (CoC) is a HUD-mandated, community-wide effort to end homelessness
by providing stable housing for those experiencing homelessness and offering preventative services to those at risk
of becoming homeless. The Jackson County CoC seeks to end homelessness in Jackson County through the
collaborative efforts and resources of all sectors of our community.
The CoC’s work is carried out through our Board, 12 workgroups and a collaboration of 18 non-profit agencies
and community partners who utilize the Homeless Management Information System. Community engagement is
key to our work. In 2018, 109 community entities actively participated in the CoC’s workgroups and programs.