Idaho's 'Hidden Homeless' Residents Difficult to Count

Advocates say Point-in-Time Count underestimates scale of homelessness in the state.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 6:27am

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An extremely blurred and abstracted indoor scene, with a faint silhouette of a person sitting on a couch, conveying the hidden and obscured nature of homelessness in Idaho.The 'hidden homeless' in Idaho often go uncounted, living in precarious situations that are difficult to see and address.Idaho Falls Today

Homelessness in Idaho can be hard to measure, especially when it involves people who are couch surfing, living in their cars, or doubling up with others to save on housing costs. Advocates say the annual Point-in-Time Count, which found nearly 2,700 people experiencing homelessness in Idaho in 2025, is an undercount that fails to capture the full scope of the state's 'hidden homeless' population.

Why it matters

Understanding the true scale of homelessness in Idaho is critical for directing resources and support to those in need. Advocates say the 'hidden homeless' population, which often goes uncounted, faces significant challenges accessing stable housing and other essential services.

The details

Jamie Nicoletti of Idaho Falls struggled with addiction and mental health issues that led to periods of homelessness. She found assistance through the Idaho Falls Rescue Mission, which serves free meals and provides overnight shelter. The mission's executive director, Tyler Perkins, said they work to identify and help those on the brink of losing their housing. However, nonprofits like the mission are facing the effects of federal funding cuts and increased competition for limited local funds.

  • The latest Point-in-Time Count in Idaho found nearly 2,700 people experiencing homelessness in 2025.
  • More than 700 of those counted were living in their vehicles.

The players

Jamie Nicoletti

An Idaho Falls resident who struggled with addiction and mental health issues that led to periods of homelessness.

Tyler Perkins

The executive director of the Idaho Falls Rescue Mission, which provides meals and shelter to those in need.

Robin Rawlings

The executive director of Idaho Panhandle Habitat for Humanity, who cited the challenge of rising living expenses making it hard for people to save money or move out of less-than-ideal living situations.

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What they’re saying

“There were times when I didn't have a safe place to stay. There was a lot of mental health challenges that I had that were caused by the substance use, and I didn't know the resources to be able to get help.”

— Jamie Nicoletti

“Help them with some food, get them down to the shelter, where we can hopefully at some point have a deeper conversation and identify some other areas that we might be able to help.”

— Tyler Perkins, Executive Director, Idaho Falls Rescue Mission

“It's a stable roof over your head but it's got mold, or it's not safe and there's just not enough of it. Time and time again, we get phone calls from individuals that they're like, 'Hey, I'm being kicked out. I need a place to go. What are my resources?'”

— Robin Rawlings, Executive Director, Idaho Panhandle Habitat for Humanity

What’s next

Advocates say more funding and community support are needed to address the challenge of hidden homelessness in Idaho, which often goes uncounted and unaddressed.

The takeaway

The 'hidden homeless' population in Idaho, including those couch surfing, living in their cars, or doubling up with others, face significant barriers to accessing stable housing and essential services. Accurately measuring the scale of this issue is critical for directing resources and support to those in need.