South Dakota’s annual Point-in-Time (PIT) homeless count identified 1,431 individuals experiencing homelessness on a single night in January, with a notable increase in those living unsheltered. However, specific numbers for Watertown were not available from the count, and local officials caution that the one-day snapshot presents challenges for accuracy, particularly in colder states.
The count, conducted on January 28th by the South Dakota Housing for the Homeless Consortium (SDHHC), aims to provide an annual snapshot of homelessness across the state. It includes people in shelters, transitional housing, agency-paid motels, and those unsheltered in vehicles, outdoors, or other places unfit for habitation. This data is used for measuring homelessness trends locally, statewide, and nationally.
Statewide results from the January count revealed:
- A total of 1,431 individuals were counted, comprising 843 males and 578 females.
- A record high of 25% (363 people) were unsheltered.
- The number of veterans experiencing homelessness increased slightly to 37, up from 31 in 2024.
- The percentage of respondents aged 18-24 decreased to 8.8% (down from 11% in 2024).
- 38% of adults were experiencing homelessness for the first time, similar to 2024.
- 254 individuals were identified as fleeing domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault.
The SDHHC release acknowledges limitations, noting that results depend heavily on partner availability for conducting surveys, potentially leading to undercounts in rural areas outside Sioux Falls and Rapid City. The 2025 numbers are also preliminary and pending acceptance by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Sara Foust, Community Services Director for Codington County, echoed the challenges of the single-day count. “It’s important to note that this is one day in time (Jan. 28th) that the federal government has chosen to measure homeless numbers across the nation,” Foust stated. “This is more challenging to get accurate numbers in cold states like South Dakota.”
While specific PIT count numbers for Watertown are unavailable, Foust provided local context based on year-round services. “In 2024, Codington County Community Services served 94 unique individuals/households in Watertown who were homeless,” she said. Foust emphasized that this figure doesn’t represent the total picture, as it excludes individuals assisted by other local organizations such as Watertown Cares, The Beacon Center, and Brothers & Sisters Behind Bars.
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