Despite a 30 percent increase in the number of people living homeless in Kitsap County this year, island officials say Bainbridge has seemed to remain largely unaffected, and have observed no apparent change in the island’s small but semi-permanent homeless population.

County specialists, though, say the situation can be misleading, and that the actual number of people living outdoors on Bainbridge is likely higher than expected.

Though no official data exists regarding Bainbridge Island specifically, Kitsap County Human Services’ annual Point in Time Count, a survey that took place over a 24-hour period in January, reported earlier this year that

644 individuals were living homeless county-wide – a 30 percent uptick from 2015.

Even that, however, is considered an undercount of the true number of people experiencing “unsheltered homelessness,” as the tally is dependent on how many subjects can actually be found during the survey and also their willingness to participate. County officials said that most communities multiply their survey results by 2.2 for a more accurate estimate as to the actual number of unsheltered individuals there — meaning more than 1,400 people are now living homeless in Kitsap.

A trending tragedy

Called a “huge increase” by Kirsten Jewell, coordinator of the Kitsap County Human Services’ Housing and Homelessness Program, and “unacceptable for our county” by Commissioner Ed Wolfe, chairman of the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners, the issue of homelessness has been receiving increased attention both in the Puget Sound area and in several major cities around the country recently.

Bainbridge-based officials, however, reported no obvious change on the island.

Bainbridge Island Police Department Chief Matthew Hamner said that officers have seen nothing to indicate that the island’s homeless population has increased.

There is, he said, routinely an apparent rise in their presence, especially downtown near the ferry terminal, at the start of summer every year. This is misleading, and generally just temporary spillover from Seattle resulting in no reportable increase in interactions with island law enforcement.

Officials from the Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Park & Recreation District said that construction in the downtown Winslow Waterfront Park had recently disturbed the occasional camping spots of a few homeless, some island regulars and several who come over on the ferry when they can so as to sleep somewhere safer and quieter than Seattle.

The fire department also reported no increase in incidents relating to the presence of the homeless on the island.

“The fire department hasn’t seen a big surge in homeless folks,” said Bainbridge Island Fire Department Assistant Chief Luke Carpenter. “The one regular we know about is a camp on the west side of 305 near the steel bridge. We go there for smoke investigations occasionally. Other than that, we had a small fire last summer when a homeless camp behind ACE Hardware caught fire.”

Why, amidst such an obvious increase in the homeless population county-wide, has Bainbridge seemingly remained unaffected? Some say because it actually hasn’t.

Down and out on BI?

“I’m not sure that Bainbridge actually is less affected,” Jewell said, adding that several factors may contribute to making it appear that way.

“People experiencing homelessness on Bainbridge Island are not as visible as they are in more urban areas,” she said.

“For those living outside, there are many opportunities to camp in wooded areas and not be found. The stigma of homelessness also contributes to people hiding it,” Jewell explained.

Many people who live in their cars or other temporary shelters, Jewell said, continue to work and send their children to school, hoping to regain housing before anyone finds out about their living situation.

And, for those on the island who are in need of housing assistance, Bainbridge can be a surprisingly tough place to get help.

“Housing Resources Board owns and manages a number of affordable housing units on the island,” Jewell said. “However, Bainbridge does not currently have an organization that provides a homelessness prevention program or any sort of rehousing program on the island. Aside from HRB’s units and some Housing Kitsap units, there are few private-market affordable housing units on the island.”

Everyone knows Bainbridge is pricey, but the people most impacted by that cost of living are also some of the most visible.

“Statistics from the city of Bainbridge Island indicate that a large number of professionals who work on the island — school teachers, law enforcement, and government workers — cannot afford to live there,” Jewell said.

And there are other obstacles lurking here for those experiencing, or on the verge of, a housing crisis.

“Public transportation is a challenge in Kitsap County, particularly to get between cities during the daytime,” Jewell said.

“If you are homeless on Bainbridge, in order to get affordable housing or homeless services you would have to travel off the island — also contributing to ‘masking’ the issue of homelessness on Bainbridge.”

According to Jewell, the situation has already had the negative impact of displacing some longtime island residents.

The high cost of Kitsap

Kitsap County has a population of about 251,400, according to the 2015 Washington State Housing Needs Assessment. Of 97,668 households, 19,635 were classified as low-income renters. Subsidized housing units totaled 4,272.

The median family income last year was $75,600. Housing is considered “affordable” if a household is paying no more than

30 percent of their income on housing costs (rent/mortgage and utilities).

Despite the recently increased attention, both here and in other large cities, to the issue of homelessness, there is still more need than help available here, Jewell said.

“There are only 12 units available of affordable housing for every 100 households earning less than 30 percent of median family income,” she said.

“In addition, there is a large number of renters and homeowners who are paying more than 30 percent of their household income on housing costs. This is considered ‘housing cost burdened.’ So, county-wide we have a huge number of people at risk of homelessness due to, one, lack of affordable housing units and, two, lack of income to pay for housing. That is the primary cause of homelessness.”

How to get help

The county’s homeless services are primarily located in Bremerton. North Kitsap Fishline (787 NW Liberty Lane in Poulsbo) offers housing assistance, and has a Housing Solutions Center office (HSC is Kitsap County’s one-stop program for anyone experiencing a housing crisis). Helpline House (282 Knechtel Way NE on Bainbridge) also offers a wide range of social services, including a food bank.

The Housing Solutions Center (1201 Park Ave. in Bremerton) is a county-wide program with staff in offices in Port Orchard, Bremerton and Poulsbo. Recently, a part-time staff position has been added on Bainbridge Island, working out of Helpline House. This program is the single entry point for individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness, or at risk of becoming homeless. The Housing Solutions Center manages the intake, eligibility pre-screening, and shelter placement for community housing partners. HSC can also provide referrals to mental health providers, drug and alcohol treatment centers, and domestic violence shelter and services. Clients may walk-in or make an appointment by phone (360-377-0053) to apply in person.

Review writer Luciano Marano can be reached at lmarano@bainbridgeislandreview.com.