Overview
- Regional Task Force on Homelessness results released Friday counted 9,803 people, with unsheltered homelessness down 11% to 5,108 as shelter and transitional placements rose 12% to 4,695.
- Targeted efforts showed progress, with unsheltered veterans down 12%, transitional‑age youth (18–24) down 26%, and people living in cars down 14%.
- Older adults now make up 33% of those living outside, and more than half said they were homeless for the first time, including an 86‑year‑old woman engaged during the count.
- Several cities reported steep declines in people living outdoors, including Santee (64.1%), El Cajon (39.5%), Encinitas (30%), La Mesa (25%) and Chula Vista (24.5%), while the city of San Diego logged a 6.6% drop.
- The count is a one‑night census conducted each January to inform state and federal funding, and local leaders warn that possible FY27 cuts and scarce housing vouchers could slow further gains.