Homeless totals down in Sonoma County, but unsheltered families hit post-pandemic high

Sonoma County's recent point-in-time count indicated a 23% decrease in homelessness, with 1,952 individuals counted on January 31. The report found that 1,123 of those were unsheltered, a decrease of 29% from the previous year. However, the number of homeless families surged by 37%, reaching levels not seen since the COVID-19 pandemic. The county's director of health services attributed the overall decline to increased funding for housing projects aimed at supporting chronically homeless individuals. Youth homelessness fell by 24%, and veteran homelessness decreased by 39%, showcasing progress in those areas.

The preliminary report lacks detailed demographic breakdowns but hints at factors influencing the changes. The final point-in-time count report will be released at the end of summer, providing further insights. The county's progress remains vulnerable to potential federal and state funding cuts.