Title
Receive an oral presentation of the 2015 Monterey County Homeless Census and Survey Report from the Department of Social Services.
Report
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Every two years during the last two weeks of January, communities across the country conduct comprehensive counts of their homeless populations in order to measure the prevalence of homelessness in each community. The biennial Point-in-Time counts of sheltered and unsheltered persons are required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for all jurisdictions receiving federal funding to provide homeless services for homeless individuals and families. Monterey County receives approximately $2 million in Continuum of Care (CoC) federal funding that supports county non-profit shelter and homeless service providers. The 2015 Monterey County Point-in-Time was a community-wide effort conducted on January 28, 2015. The results of the homeless count are enumerated in the 2015 Monterey County Homeless Census and Survey Report.
The Monterey County homeless count had two primary components: a Point-in-Time enumeration of unsheltered homeless individuals and families (those sleeping outdoors, on the street, in parks, or vehicles, etc.) and a Point-in-Time enumeration of homeless individuals and families who have temporary shelter (those staying in emergency shelter, transitional housing, or using stabilization rooms).
In Monterey County, the number of individuals counted in the general street count and shelter count was 2,308. Compared to 2013, this was a decrease of 282 individuals (12%). Homeless Services providers note that up to 8% of the decrease in numbers may be attributed to changes in methodology from the 2013 count. The Point-in-Time count had steadily risen from 2007 to 2013; this year’s count marks the first time the County has experienced a period of decreased homelessness during the point-in-time count. Approximately 71% of all individuals counted in the 2015 census were unsheltered, a decrease from 76% in 2013.
In addition to the County-wide homeless census, an in-depth survey was administered in the weeks following the census to 444 sheltered and unsheltered homeless individuals in Monterey County. Findings generated from the survey will provide information on the causes and length of homelessness, previous and current living accommodations, and obstacles to obtaining permanent housing.
While the County funds this project, many local nonprofits who provide services to homeless individuals and families also contribute. The Homeless Census count was conducted by community volunteers and service providers’ staff. Guidance to areas where homeless live or congregate was provided by homeless or formerly homeless individuals who received a small stipend for their efforts.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The 2015 Monterey county Homeless Census and Survey Report was prepared by Applied Survey Research and coordinated by the Coalition of Homeless Services Providers in partnership with United Way Monterey County.
FINANCING:
The report was funded by the Monterey County Department of Social Services and Department of Health, Behavioral Health Division. Acceptance of this report has no impact to the Departments’ County General Fund Contributions.
Prepared by: Glorietta Rowland, MA II, x 4484
Approved by: Elliott Robinson, Director, x 4434
Attachments: Homeless Census Point-in-Time Census and Survey
The report is on file with the Clerk of the Board as an attachment to this Board Report