San Diego County initiated its annual point-in-time count of homeless individuals, with hundreds of volunteers canvassing the streets and shelters on Thursday morning. This one-day effort aims to gather crucial data on those experiencing homelessness, providing insights into demographic changes that can influence funding allocations for state and federal homelessness prevention programs.
The Regional Task Force on Homelessness organized this comprehensive initiative, which involved approximately 1,700 volunteers and service providers. Preparation for the count took around six months, while the subsequent analysis of the data will extend over three months. The statistics collected during this count serve as vital indicators for the allocation of resources aimed at addressing homelessness across the region.
East Village, known for its high concentration of unsheltered residents, played a significant role in this year’s count. The area features a juxtaposition of older, smaller homes with new high-rise apartment buildings, all situated near the bustling Interstate 5. Gabriel Perez, a resident of the streets since his release from jail, shared his aspirations: “My plan is to get on my feet, be a man and work.” Perez, who lost his daughter in a tragic accident, has faced significant challenges as he seeks stability.
Volunteers engaged with individuals living in tents and on sidewalks, offering incentives like $10 gift cards and essential items in exchange for participation in the survey. Laura Diaz, aged 52, who has been homeless for approximately six years, expressed familiarity with the community around her, stating, “You get used to them.” Her experience highlights the deep connections formed among individuals facing similar struggles.
Father Joe’s Villages, a prominent service provider in the East Village, mobilized around 50 staff members for the count. Carmen Jimenez, a supervisor at the shelter, approached participants with warmth, inviting them to take part in the count for 2026. Volunteers documented essential information, including names, ages, and duration of homelessness, while also addressing any immediate needs participants might have.
Throughout various neighborhoods, volunteers encountered a mix of cooperation and reluctance. Some individuals were eager to participate, while others, like a couple in a blue nylon tent, preferred to communicate through a small opening, highlighting the hesitance some feel towards outreach efforts.
As teams moved through crowded areas, they discovered family-sized tents and makeshift homes. Kayla Houston, a former resident of the streets, shared her personal journey of recovery and the joy of reconnecting with friends from her past, illustrating the emotional impacts of these outreach efforts.
In Lemon Grove, outreach workers expressed hope that the number of individuals living in encampments had decreased since the previous year. Volunteers discovered tents near state Route 94, but also noted areas that had seen significant reductions in homelessness. For example, North Avenue, once filled with encampments, was notably empty this year, a change that brought relief to outreach workers like Stephanie Castaneda.
The data from this year’s count is expected to reveal a 6% decrease in homelessness since the dramatic spike observed in 2020. Last year’s count recorded a total of 9,905 homeless individuals in San Diego County, with significant reductions in families without shelter and homeless veterans, by 72% and 25% respectively.
While the federally mandated count faces scrutiny regarding its accuracy, it remains a critical tool for identifying trends and informing prevention and assistance programs. The Regional Task Force also compiles monthly estimates of homelessness, providing ongoing insights based on service provider data.
As San Diego County continues to address the complex issue of homelessness, the insights gained from these counts will play a pivotal role in shaping future policies and resource allocations.
