What's Happening?
Lake County, Illinois, has revised its annual Homeless Point-in-Time (PIT) Count due to changes in federal funding priorities. The county canceled the unsheltered portion of the 2026 count, focusing instead on collecting data from emergency shelters,
transitional housing, and permanent housing programs. This decision was influenced by uncertainty surrounding federal funding and the need to prioritize staff resources. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development mandates the PIT count but only requires the unsheltered portion every other year. The county successfully conducted an unsheltered count in 2025, and the data collected this year will be released in the spring.
Why It's Important?
The revision of the PIT count in Lake County highlights the challenges local governments face due to federal funding uncertainties. Accurate data on homelessness is crucial for planning and resource allocation, and changes in data collection methods could impact the effectiveness of local homeless response systems. The situation underscores the importance of stable federal support for social services and the potential consequences of policy shifts. The county's decision reflects a broader trend of local governments adapting to federal policy changes, which may affect their ability to address homelessness effectively.
What's Next?
Lake County plans to continue monitoring federal funding developments and adjust its strategies accordingly. The county remains committed to addressing homelessness and will use the data collected to inform future planning and decision-making. The upcoming elections may influence federal funding priorities, potentially impacting local programs. Stakeholders in Lake County will need to remain vigilant and adaptable to navigate the evolving policy landscape and ensure continued support for homeless services.
