The annual Point in Time headcount of El Paso County’s homeless population taken one frigid night in January showed a large and record-high jump in numbers this year, leading to the conclusion that the community needs more emergency shelter beds.

But, facing a more than $1 million budget shortfall , one key provider says it has no choice but to shrink its operations.

The Salvation Army’s local office will reduce emergency overnight beds for families with children by half to balance its 2025-2026 budget that starts Oct. 1, Maj. Stephen Ball, El Paso County coordinator and corps officer, said Tuesday.

“That this is happening at the time we’re seeing the Point in Time giving us indication we need more beds is very sad, but it’s just a reality. The good news is we aren’t closing the she

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