SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Thursday, San Diego Councilmember Chris Ward (District Three), who serves as vice chair of the Regional Task Force on the Homeless, joined Task Force Chair and Supervisor Ron Roberts, and RTHF Executive Director Delores Diaz to announce the results of the 2017 Point-in-Time Count of the region’s homeless population. They were joined by a variety of regional elected officials, service providers and stakeholders including San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, Chula Vista Mayor Mary Casillas Salas, and San Marcos Mayor Jim Desmond.
The annual count (available at http://www.rtfhsd.org/publications/) found 9,116 people living on the streets or in shelters countywide, a 5 percent increase from last year. It also found a 14 percent increase in the unsheltered homeless population and a 10 percent increase in the City of San Diego’s homeless population.
This Point-In-Time Count, mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), provides an estimate of the number of homeless persons throughout San Diego County. The count includes persons living “on the street” or staying in homeless shelters.
“These numbers provide us an important snapshot of the region from January, and confirm what many of us have seen in our communities over the 12 months prior – we’re facing a crisis that demands an immediate, comprehensive response, ” said Councilmember Ward. “There’s no sugar coating the stark reality; the data provides greater insight into what all of us have been living with and responding to. As we further analyze this information, we’ll be better able to target our efforts and dollars to provide the full range of necessary services for individuals who need help to get back on their feet. The statistics are also beginning to show areas of success – like the Housing our Heroes program which is delivering results to decrease the number of veterans on our streets – and serve as a lesson that we have the tools and strategies to address this crisis.”
