Isn't counting the number of homeless people in Snohomish county a bit like counting cats?  They run when they see you coming and never stay in the same place from day to day?

Volunteers spent the day and early evening gathering data on Snohomish County's homeless population. This year's total still incomplete shows 2,291 individuals in 1,279 households without a permanent place to stay.

I wonder if they know about all the homeless camps like the one at the intersection of I-5 and 164th there south of the Park & Ride?  Hell, they even take shifts panhandling for money at the off ramp.

What is really a problem is the number of unsecured properties across the county.  They offer refuge and a place for transients and criminals to hang out.  If you have a vacant home or property, I urge you to make sure that it is secure.  A homeless person theoretically cooking food set fire to the garage of an abandoned house on Ash Way no too long ago.  Don't let that happen to your property! 

You know that if a trespasser or homeless person got hurt because your property wasn't secure, it would be you and your insurance that would have to pay!