SBC homeless population grows by 26%

There are 357 people experiencing homelessness, according to the county’s 2022 homeless count. That is a 26% increase from the 2019 data when the county reported 253 homeless people.

The county conducted its Point-inTime (PIT) count of people experiencing homelessness January 27. 

According to the release, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires that every two years all communities receiving federal funding for homelessness services conduct a PIT count of people experiencing homelessness. The county was unable to conduct the count in 2021 because of COVID-19 restrictions.

The county said the PIT count is the primary source of nationwide data on homelessness and identifies people living in unsheltered and sheltered settings.

Twenty volunteers from Community Actions Board, Community Homeless Solutions, Health and Human Services Agency, and community volunteers walked or drove routes covering the entire geography of San Benito County to count people experiencing homelessness. The County also collected information from all emergency shelters and transitional housing sites.

“Despite significant investments in supportive housing for those with the highest needs and longest periods of homelessness, and emergency supports for those affected by the pandemic, overall homelessness in San Benito County increased by 26%,” the release said. “This increase is a result of widening income inequality, high inflation, and a lack of affordable housing, which are continuing to drive individuals and families into homelessness.”

Enrique Arreola, Deputy Director of Community Services and Workforce Development stated, “The increase of 26% is a more accurate count compared to the 2019 census; however, I wouldn’t be surprised if the numbers are higher given the many challenges this pandemic has caused. Without the support of the Coalition of Homeless Service Providers, Community Action Board, community volunteers, Health and Human Services Agency, and the San Benito County Board of Supervisors, this census would not have happened. Thanks to all who volunteered.”

The Homeless Census Executive Summary Report highlights include:

The release added that San Benito County Health and Human Services Agency through the Community Services and Workforce Development Division continues to provide services to hundreds of homeless individuals annually through the following programs; Permanent Supportive Housing, Transitional Housing, Rapid Rehousing, Tenant Based Rental Assistance, Homeless Housing Assistance Program, Housing Support Program, Homeless Disability Advocacy Program, Project Roomkey for hotel vouchers, Winter Shelter Program, and a year-round homeless shelter operated by Community Homeless Solutions.

Supervisor Kollin Kosmicki who sits on the county’s Homeless Taskforce stated, “the latest homeless census for our community underscores the severity of this crisis in our community. Reducing the homeless population is one of the most profound challenges of our time, but I have no doubt San Benito County leaders are fully committed to getting people off the streets, offering opportunities for humane living conditions, and providing services to better their lives.”

According to the release, The PIT count information is used for strategic planning and program design and that the results impact funding and improve the county’s understanding of the size and characteristics of our homeless population. The strategic goal of this region-wide effort of Monterey/San Benito County Continuum of Care (COC) is to reduce homelessness by 50% within the next five years under the Lead Me Home Plan to Reduce Homelessness 5-year Plan.

A full report will be presented at the Board of Supervisors Meeting on Aug. 9 beginning at 9 a.m.

For Information on Homeless Services in San Benito County, call 831-637-9293.