Mid-Columbia Community Action is reporting the results from the January 2022 Point in Time count, and while the numbers have not yet been confirmed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, preliminary data shows an overall 50% increase in people experiencing houselessness throughout Wasco, Hood River, and Sherman Counties as compared to data collected in 2020.  Increases in overall houselessness are reflective of few affordable housing options coupled with the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had across the region.  In Wasco County, there was about a 70% increase in people experiencing houselessness, with a significant increase in the number of sheltered individuals, reflective of the increase in the number of shelter beds in the community.  Hood River County saw a nearly 27% increase in houseless community members between 2020 and 2022.  There was also a notable increase among Native community members experiencing houselessness in Hood River County.  While the overall numbers were small, Sherman County showed a slight decrease in individuals experiencing houselessness.