Point-In-Time Count offers snapshot of homelessness, community support

For someone who is homeless, something as simple as a haircut can mean a lot.

“I haven’t had a haircut in a long time,” said Frank Williamson, 50, who attended a Point-In-Time event in Bremerton recently. “I used to get one every week, but now that I’m homeless, life is different. This makes me feel like myself again.”

For Sharon Valdez, a single mother, the event provided a sense of relief for her family.

“I was able to get hot meals for my kids and me, and I found resources that can help us improve our living situation,” Valdez said. “It’s a huge relief to know there’s support out there, especially for my children.”

Kitsap County’s 2025 Point-In-Time Count provided a vital snapshot of homelessness in the region, but also offered crucial support for those in need. The event, held across Bremerton, Silverdale and Port Orchard, saw volunteers and local organizations working together to survey people experiencing homelessness and connect them to needed services.

Corey Derenburger, a county Housing and Homelessness Division specialist, said, “This information helps us ensure that resources are allocated effectively to meet the needs of those experiencing homelessness.” He said there were 250 counted in Bremerton, 50 in Silverdale and around 70 were expected in Port Orchard.

The PIT Count, mandated annually by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, aims to gather data on sheltered and unsheltered people. This year’s count collected critical information on factors such as housing history, health challenges and contributing issues such as trauma or disability, providing insights to better guide funding and local efforts to help.

Capt. Dana Walters of the Salvation Army, which hosted the Bremerton event, emphasized the role of the community in the effort. “We just host the event, but this is really great for the community,” she said.

Beyond the survey, the event also functioned as a resource fair. Benedict House distributed hygiene packs, while the Kitsap Humane Society offered food and immunizations for pets. The Bremerton Lions Club provided free eye exams and prescriptions for glasses, and Kitsap Community Resources outreach lead Jennifer Klinkefus distributed essential items including hygiene kits, clothing, hats, socks and snack packs—collected during a donation drive before the event.

Klinkefus emphasized the importance of meeting people where they are. “My main role is outreach in encampments, making sure people have access to the resources available,” she said.

Sox Box courtesy photo
Sox Box of Bellevue provided clean dry socks for those without a permanent address at the event.

Sox Box courtesy photo Sox Box of Bellevue provided clean dry socks for those without a permanent address at the event.

Northwest Hospitality courtesy photo
Northwest Hospitality provided essential items and snacks at the event for the homeless.

Northwest Hospitality courtesy photo Northwest Hospitality provided essential items and snacks at the event for the homeless.