Explained
The PIT count is a nationwide initiative required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to collect data on homelessness, according to agenda documents. Each year, communities across the country count individuals and families experiencing homelessness on a single night in January.
Locally, the Hays County Homeless Coalition—alongside several partner organizations—conducted the PIT count Jan. 23. The effort is designed to assess the state of homelessness in the county and provide data that can inform future policy decisions and services, agenda documents state.
Some context
Individuals counted as unsheltered were found in places not meant for human habitation, such as streets, outdoor encampments or vehicles, according to agenda documents.
Those counted as sheltered were staying in emergency shelters, domestic violence shelters, transitional housing programs or motels and hotels paid for by an agency voucher.
Individuals in permanent housing or temporary living situations were not included in the count. Temporary situations excluded from the PIT count include people staying with friends or family, those at risk of homelessness, individuals paying for hotels or motels out of pocket, and those in foster care, sober living environments, or criminal justice or health care facilities.
The big picture
In 2025, a total of 187 individuals were counted in Hays County—55 unsheltered and 132 sheltered.
According to agenda documents, the number of sheltered individuals increased from 111 in 2024 to 132 in 2025, while the number of unsheltered individuals decreased significantly from 99 to 55 over the same period.
Lisa Young, executive director of the Hays County Food Bank and co-chair of the Hays County Homeless Coalition, noted that the nights leading up to and including Jan. 23 brought severe cold weather, which may have impacted the data, as individuals experiencing homelessness sought temporary refuge at warming centers.
Among the largest age groups represented were children under 5, with 38 counted in sheltered situations. Additionally, adults ages 35–44 accounted for 17 sheltered and 21 unsheltered individuals.
Breaking it down
The presentation to commissioners also included demographic information gathered during the PIT count. Highlights include:
- Roughly 9% of respondents identified as LGBTQIA+.
- Approximately 44% identified as survivors of domestic violence.
What the commissioners are saying
Precinct 3 Commissioner Morgan Hammer noted that Texas State University adds a unique factor to the availability of housing in the area. Precinct 4 Commissioner Walt Smith added that while evictions in San Marcos may occur more quickly due to the student population, it may also be easier to find housing in the city because of the larger number of available units.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Michelle Cohen said the higher number of unhoused individuals counted in San Marcos may be due to the presence of more resources in the city.
“What I do know [is that] maybe the number is so high in San Marcos, because the rest of the county and cities aren’t doing their part to address the problem, so a lot of times they get picked up from one city and brought to San Marcos and dropped off,” Cohen said.
Most nonprofit organizations addressing homelessness in Hays County are based in San Marcos, including Southside Community Center, Hays County Food Bank, Salvation Army of Hays County, Community Action Inc. and the Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center.
