Early Friday morning, over 160 volunteers and social service providers fanned out across Sonoma County to conduct the annual point-in-time count of individuals experiencing homelessness. This nationwide effort, conducted each January, helps track the scope of the homeless crisis.
Teams searched parking lots, parks, and trails, noting those sleeping in vehicles or other makeshift shelters. This year’s count comes as last year’s numbers revealed a record high nationwide, and an 11% increase in Sonoma County itself. Organizers say the dispersal of large encampments in recent years makes finding individuals more challenging, as many seek to remain unseen.
While the official results won’t be available for several months, the data collected will provide crucial insights into the demographics and needs of the homeless population, informing future services and support programs. The count also includes surveys conducted after the initial census to gather more in-depth information.
