The preliminary 2025 Point-in-Time Count, conducted earlier this year, shows a significant 23% decrease in people experiencing homelessness across the county. This brings the total to 1,952 individuals, marking the lowest number since the count began in 2007.
Supervisor Lynda Hopkins called it “very encouraging progress,” crediting the tireless dedication of county staff and community partners.
While the full report is due out later this summer, Department of Health Services Director Nolan Sullivan suggests new initiatives, like permanent housing projects and affordable housing set-asides, are contributing to this positive trend. However, Sullivan also cautioned that state and federal funding cuts could jeopardize this progress, stressing there’s still much more work to be done.
Notable findings include a 39% drop in homeless veterans and a 24% decrease in homeless youth. However, the count also shows a 20% rise in chronic homelessness and a 37% increase in homeless families, though most families were found in sheltered settings.
The count this year utilized a “by-name list” to more accurately locate individuals, contributing to the validated decrease.