County of Monterey Reports 15% Reduction in Homelessness, Reflecting Continued Progress Through Strong Community Partnerships

 

SALINAS, Calif. — The County of Monterey is proud to announce that homelessness has declined by 23% in unsheltered homelessness and 15% in overall homelessness according to the results of the 2026 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, marking another significant milestone in the County's ongoing efforts to address homelessness through collaboration, strategic investments, and evidence-based solutions. Additional notable reductions include a 39% decrease in chronic homelessness, a 43% decrease among veterans, a 30% decrease among families, and a 37% decrease among unaccompanied children and transition-age youth. The full report is available at: https://chsp.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2026-Monterey-County-Census-Report.pdf. 

The latest results continue a positive trend for Monterey County, which has now experienced decreases in 3 of the last 4 Point-in-Time Counts, demonstrating that sustained investments and coordinated community action are making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

The County's Homelessness Strategies and Initiatives Division, working in close partnership with the Coalition of Homeless Service Providers and numerous local service organizations, has focused on expanding housing opportunities, strengthening outreach, increasing access to supportive services, and leveraging state and federal resources to help individuals move from homelessness into stable housing.

A key contributor to this success has been the leadership of Homeless Services Director Roxanne Wilson, whose efforts have secured significant state grant funding, expanding housing programs, enhancing supportive services, and strengthening the County's ability to respond to the complex needs of people experiencing homelessness.

"This year's Point-in-Time Count reflects what is possible when local government, nonprofit organizations, service providers, and our community work together toward a common goal," said Luis Alejo, District One Supervisor and Chair of the Lead Me Home Leadership Council. "A 15% reduction in homelessness is encouraging news for Monterey County and demonstrates that our investments, partnerships, and commitment to compassionate, effective solutions are producing measurable results. While we celebrate this progress, we remain committed to continuing this important work until everyone has access to safe, stable housing."

The County also recognized the leadership and commitment of the Coalition of Homeless Service Providers and its Executive Director, Katrina McKenzie, whose collaborative approach has helped strengthen coordination among housing providers, behavioral health partners, outreach teams, local jurisdictions, and community organizations throughout Monterey County.

"Our progress is the direct result of extraordinary partnerships," said Roxanne Wilson, County Homeless Services Director. "No single agency can solve homelessness alone. We are grateful for the dedication of the Coalition of Homeless Service Providers, Katrina McKenzie, our local service providers, cities, nonprofit organizations, state and federal partners, and everyone working together every day to create pathways to housing and hope. These results belong to our entire community."

The Point-in-Time Count is conducted every two years as required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and provides a snapshot of sheltered and unsheltered homelessness on a single night. The data is used to inform planning, allocate resources, and measure progress in addressing homelessness.

While encouraged by the latest results, County officials emphasized that homelessness remains one of Monterey County's most complex challenges. The County will continue investing in permanent supportive housing, homelessness prevention, outreach, behavioral health services, and collaborative strategies designed to help individuals and families achieve long-term housing stability.

The County of Monterey extends its appreciation to the hundreds of volunteers, service providers, partner agencies, and community organizations whose participation in the Point-in-Time Count made this important effort possible.