The number of people experiencing homelessness in Marin County increased slightly over the past two years, according to the county’s 2026 Point-in-Time Count. While homelessness among veterans, youth and families declined, the number of people experiencing chronic homelessness doubled.
The biennial count, conducted on a single night, provides a snapshot used to guide funding, services and policy. It is required for communities that receive federal homelessness funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The local count was coordinated and conducted on Jan. 28 by the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services.
This year’s count found 1,128 people experiencing homelessness in Marin County, up from 1,090 in 2024. Nearly three-quarters, or 74%, were living in unsheltered locations such as vehicles, encampments or other places not intended for habitation.
The most significant increase was among people experiencing chronic homelessness. Chronic homelessness is defined as a condition where individuals with a qualifying disabling condition, such as serious mental illness, substance abuse or developmental disability, have been homeless continuously for at least one year or repeatedly over several years. That number rose from 217 in 2024 to 438 in 2026, with 83% living unsheltered.
“The increase in chronic homelessness underscores the urgent need for more permanent supportive housing and housing resources for people with the most complex needs,” said Assistant County Executive Lisa Warhuus, who also directs Marin HHS.
More than 150 chronically homeless people in Marin County have been referred to and accepted for federal Section 8 rental assistance but are waiting for vouchers to become available, according to the county.
The county also reported declines among several priority populations.
Veteran homelessness fell from 49 people in 2024 to 11 in 2026, continuing a decline from 65 in 2022. The county attributed the reduction to coordinated outreach, case management and partnerships focused on veterans.
Unaccompanied children and transition-age youth experiencing homelessness declined from 108 in 2024 to 60 in 2026. The number of families experiencing homelessness fell from 64 to 60.
A survey found that 88% of respondents had lived in Marin County before becoming homeless. Economic hardship was the most frequently cited cause, while nearly two-thirds said they were experiencing homelessness for the first time.
The county plans to expand interim shelter capacity in West Marin, develop a tiny home interim shelter at 350 Merrydale Road with San Rafael, and support housing stabilization efforts at Binford Road in unincorporated Novato, including temporary rental assistance.
Marin County coordinates homeless services through a Housing First approach, which prioritizes providing permanent, stable housing to individuals experiencing homelessness without preconditions like sobriety, treatment or income requirements.
