HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY - T. BELTON
Receive a presentation regarding the 2026 Homelessness Point-In-Time "PIT" Count.
SBC FILE NUMBER:939
REGULAR AGENDA
As a member of the Salinas/Monterey/San Benito County Continuum of Care (CoC), San Benito County is mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to conduct a Point-in-Time Count of the homeless population every two years. On January 29, 2026, the San Benito County Health & Human Services Agency, in collaboration with Applied Survey Research (ASR), the Coalition of Homeless Service Providers (CHSP), community organizations, volunteers, and dedicated staff, successfully completed this important count.
This year, the Agency was fortunate to engage more than 50 volunteers. Their participation allowed us to achieve greater coverage across all census tracts, including the river areas. The Point-in-Time Count accounts for individuals experiencing homelessness in emergency shelters, on the streets, in encampments, in vehicles, and in other locations unfit for human habitation.
In the weeks following the count, a survey was conducted with unsheltered and sheltered individuals experiencing homelessness to gather valuable insights into their experiences and characteristics. The HUD Point-in-Time Count is vital as it provides a comprehensive snapshot of homelessness in the County. This data not only helps identify specific needs but also facilitates effective resource allocation. Furthermore, it informs policymakers and stakeholders about emerging trends, enabling them to develop targeted strategies and support systems for those experiencing homelessness.
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION OF THE PIT:
The 2026 San Benito County Homeless Count and Survey was performed using HUD recommended practices for counting and surveying the homeless population. Data summarized in this report provide many valuable insights about the unique and diverse experiences of homelessness in San Benito County.
A few data highlights include:
• The Point-in-Time Homeless Count identified a total of 267 persons experiencing homelessness in San Benito County in 2026, a 57% decrease from 2024 (621).
• At the time of homelessness, 82% of individuals reported living in San Benito County, compared to 17% from other California counties and 1% from out of state.
• Seventy-four percent (74%) persons experiencing homelessness in San Benito County were unsheltered, living outdoors or in places not intended for human habitation.
• Forty-eight percent (48%) of homeless survey respondents indicated they were experiencing homelessness for the first time, while 74% had been homeless for one year or longer.
• The biggest obstacles to obtaining permanent housing were: inability to afford rent (79%), lack of a job/income (74%), and lack of money for moving costs (40%).
• Respondents reported significant health conditions: depression (40%),
drug/alcohol abuse (36%), physical disabilities (33%), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (31%).
• Results for the four HUD select populations in San Benito County were: chronically homeless individuals (49 persons), homeless veterans (5 persons), and members of homeless families with children (16 persons)
The 2026 San Benito County Homeless Count and Survey provides valid and useful data that help create a more comprehensive profile of those experiencing homelessness. Data presented in this report fulfill federal reporting requirements for the CoC, and will continue to inform outreach, service planning, and policy decision-making
by local planning bodies over the years to come. There are still many challenges to overcome in achieving the goal of eliminating homelessness in San Benito County and helping homeless individuals and families access necessary services and support. The dissemination and evaluation of this effort will help the CoC, and all San Benito County stakeholders continue to produce and refine constructive and innovative solutions to end homelessness and make it a rare, brief, and one-time occurrence. Through innovative and effective housing programs and services,
San Benito County remains committed to moving homeless persons into permanent housing.
Attached for reference is the 2026 Point-In-Time Count and Report prepared by Applied Survey Research and the 2026 Point-In-Time Executive Summary Slide presentation.
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Receive a presentation regarding the 2026 Homelessness Point-In-Time "PIT" Count.