County reports drop in homelessness, cites diversion savings and improved timeliness in Temporary Assistance

Commissioner Duane Vaughn told the committee that homelessness in Washington County has declined since last year, noting a fall from 41 individuals per 10,000 to roughly 12 per 10,000 in recent data and stating he believes current figures are below 10 per 10,000. He credited staff efforts and spending monitoring for the improvement and said no one has been in hotel placement for more than a year in recent months.

The committee reviewed attached Temporary Assistance and homeless-services data showing diversion activity (individuals who applied in person and were not placed in hotels) produced substantial cost savings. Attachments list monthly diversion counts and estimate an average monthly cost avoidance of about $2,600 per individual; examples include 75 diversions in June 2026 equating to an estimated $195,000 in savings at a weekly rate of $650. The attachments also document monthly hotel placement counts, with the county reporting 189 placements in 2025 and ending 2025 with 33 cases in hotels/shelters versus 85 at the end of 2024.

The attachments include timeliness metrics for Temporary Assistance decisions (the state requires decisions within 30 days). Washington County’s timeliness improved into the 90%-plus range in recent months, and the minutes note the county avoided state intervention by maintaining timeliness.