By Alyse DiNapoli, California Health Report, July 17, 2019.
Many California’s counties reported having more homeless residents this year, according to the 2019 Point in Time surveys, which aim to count the number of people experiencing homelessness on a given night.
The surveys are completed once every year or two years depending on the county. San Francisco and San Jose counties reported increases of 17 percent and 42 percent in the last two years, respectively. Los Angeles County experienced a 16 percent spike since last year. Alameda, Santa Clara, Ventura, Orange and Kern counties also reported having more homeless residents in their 2019 survey.
While a statewide report won’t be available for several more months, last year’s estimate marked the first time in four years that the homeless population in California declined, albeit slightly.
Los Angeles County also reported a slight decrease in 2018 from the previous year. Even though the downward trend didn’t continue into 2019, the county’s increase is still markedly lower than the rates in nearby Kern and Ventura counties (50 percent and 28.5 percent, respectively). Los Angeles County has been aided by a sales tax approved by voters in 2017 that is raising approximately $355 million annually for homeless services.
San Diego County reported that it’s homelessness rate decreased from last year. Some counties, such as Sacramento, have not released data yet.
As local governments try to find housing for homeless residents, and the tech sector offers additional funding, California advocates said successful efforts will take into account a person’s background and provide social support.
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