By Sheila Corson
Chronicle staff

     OKANOGAN - An 84-year-old lives in a tent in the dead of winter.
     A young mother lives with her 2-year-old in a car.
     The number of homeless residents like those rose over the last year, from 322 to 573, according to January's point-in-time homeless count.
     In the count, the homeless fill out forms describing their situations. Of those counted, 217 are under 18.
     "We knew that the numbers would be up, based on the waiting lists for shelter and housing that we have seen," said Lael Duncan, executive director of Okanogan County Community Action Council. "The final number is still a shock.
     "I do this work every year because it helps to re-light my fire for what needs to be done," she said. "It's not just about numbers; each of these forms tells a story."
     Lack of funding and shortage of affordable housing have added to the difficulties of battling homelessness, Duncan said. The tough economy has worsened the availability of those resources.
     But when agencies like Community Action join with others in the area, many people are able to create a better situation, she said.
     Duncan said one fairly typical story was of a woman and her two children. Because of domestic violence, the three moved into a 25-foot camp trailer with no potable water or telephone. A few months later, they were evicted.
     The woman was attending school at Wenatchee Valley College at Omak and had expected to drop out. Instead, Community Action and the Housing Authority of Okanogan County were able to help her find a rental and pay for it, and helped pay for electricity and classes.
     According to Duncan, the woman has graduated and is pursuing a bachelor's degree while in a stable living environment.
     Duncan said it is compassion that will help people get back on their feet.
     "It's one thing to stumble and fall down and another to be ignored when you're on the ground," Duncan said.
     Efforts are under way to develop two different housing solutions for the homeless, Duncan said.
     Okanogan Behavioral HealthCare is raising funds for a transitional housing complex to serve drug-dependent and/or mentally ill clients. The Housing Authority of Okanogan County is applying for funding for a 16-unit complex of permanent supportive housing.
     Individuals interested in serving on the strategic planning task force to end homeless may contact Duncan at 422-4041 or laeld@occac.com.