Beyond the Shelter Door: What December’s Severe Weather Response Revealed About Homelessness in Cowlitz County
Four (4) Things Cowlitz County's Data Taught Us About Homelessness When residents in Longview, Kelso, Castle Rock, Woodland, Kalama, and unincorporated Cowlitz County think about homelessness, they picture what's visible: someone sleeping outside, a line at a shelter, or a cold Washington winter night that feels uncomfortable but survivable. The data from Cowlitz County tells a deeper story. In December 2025, Cowlitz County Washington State experienced sustained freezing temperatures that created life-threatening conditions for people living outside across Longview WA, Kelso WA, and surrounding communities. The response to those nights and the outcomes that followed revealed four critical truths about homelessness in Cowlitz County that go far beyond shelter doors. These lessons matter because they show what actually works when Cowlitz County communities choose prevention, dignity, and accountability. 1. The Real Crisis Happens Before Emergency Systems Are Triggered When ...