Group says homeless population increased in Central Oregon

BEND, Ore. (AP) - A regional group that tracks one-night homelessness for the federal government says the homeless population in Central Oregon increased 12% from last year - including jumps in the number of unaccompanied children and people considered “chronically” homeless.

The Bulletin reports that the Homeless Leadership Coalition this week released the results of its annual point-in-time survey tracking homeless people in Central Oregon.

This year, 880 people reported being homeless, compared with 787 last year.

The category of people considered “chronically” homeless - or homeless for more than a year - increased 15%, to 160.

Each year the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development selects a date, always in winter, when service providers count local homeless populations.