Homeless Point in Time Count

On Aug. 3, Santa Cruz County reported its federally required point-in-time count tallied 1,804 homeless people in 2023, compared to 2,299 in 2022.

This is a 21.5% decline and the fewest since the count began in 2011.

Although Santa Cruz County is the least affordable rental market in the U.S., the numbers give some hope for the future.

“While the numbers show the lowest levels of homelessness since the PIT Count was first conducted and reflects our efforts to prioritize housing, we still have a long way to go,” said Robert Ratner, director of the Santa Cruz County Housing for Health Division. “Addressing homelessness in Santa Cruz County requires long-term, systemic change, but we are heading in the right direction.”

With the closure of the Covid-19 sheltering system in June 2022, Santa Cruz County and its partners, including the Housing Authority of Santa Cruz County, moved more than 600 individuals into permanent supportive housing.

The count was taken on Feb. 23 during wintry conditions.

Of the homeless total, 378 were counted in shelters, and 1,426 were unsheltered, on the streets or in tents or vehicles.

Nearly half were counted in vehicles:

• Vehicle: 46%

• Tent: 35%

• Outdoors/on streets: 18%

• Abandoned building: 1%

By jurisdiction, the count reported:

• City of Santa Cruz: 1,028

• Watsonville: 421

• Unincorporated: 249

• County Office of Education: 59

• Scotts Valley: 24

• Capitola: 23

The 51-page report said number of unhoused declined in Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, Capitola, and unincorporated areas but the number in Watsonville increased from 366 to 421.

More Findings

Ofthe families experiencing homelessness, 65% had shelter, but nearly all unaccompanied minors and transitionage youth (adults less than 24 years old) were living on the streets.

44% identified as Hispanic or Latino

More than two-thirds of people experiencing homelessness were male.

Three in ten had some form of employment. Of the unemployed, more than half are looking for work.

Nearly a quarter have been in the foster care system.

The number of homeless families with children increased, as did the numbers of K-12 students experiencing homelessness.

75% were County residents when they became homeless.

Nearly half reported substance abuse issues, while more than one-third reported psychiatric/emotional conditions or posttraumatic stress disorder.

Point in Time Homeless Count

Primary

2023: Lost job: 35% • Substance use: 24%

• Eviction: 19% • Divorce/breakup: 13%

2022: Eviction: 37% • Lost job: 33%

• Alcohol/drug use: 9% • Divorce/ breakup: 9%

Benefits

One-third have a physical disability.

The Housing for Health Partnership remains committed to moving as many formerly homeless individuals into housing as possible.

The County is working with community partners to secure Project Homekey and other grants to increase the capacity to provide housing for formerly homeless individuals and families.

Those grants include a recent $10.1 million Behavioral Health Bridge Housing award to build a 34-unit housing development to serve homeless adults with behavioral health challenges, as well as a partnership with the County of Monterey and the City of

2023: 72%

2022: 83%

Self

2023: Subtance use

• Psychiatric condition: 39%

2022: Drug/alcohol use:67% • Physical disability: 57% •••

Source: housingforhealthpartnership.org/ LearningCenter/DataandReports.aspx

Watsonville to move individuals out of the Pajaro River channel and into housing. The 34 units need not be in one location, but all the units must have wraparound services, such as being prioritized for behavioral health services.

County officials report 100 new supportive units through projects already underway will soon be accessible. For youth, the county is retrofitting a building on 5300 Soquel Avenue with 24 crisis stabilization beds so youth have local options for care. n •••

For the full report, visit https://housing forhealthpartnership.org.