The number of homeless people in Mendocino County decreased this year compared to last year, but the number of people considered chronically homeless increased sharply, according to a report recently released from the county’s annual point-in-time homelessness count.
The point-in-time count is a survey of the number of sheltered and unsheltered homeless people on one night in January, typically the coldest time of the year. The count is conducted by the Mendocino County Homeless Services Continuum of Care and is a requirement of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to receive federal funding for homeless services.
According to the survey, the total number of unsheltered people counted on Jan. 29 was 440. That is a decline from last year, when the survey reported 552 unsheltered people.
On the other hand, the number of chronically homeless people, those who have been homeless for a long period of time and have a health condition that does not allow them to live independently, totaled 267 this year. During last year’s homelessness count, the number of chronically homeless people was much lower at 154.
The report states that ongoing health conditions are often what causes homelessness and keeps people on the streets.
“The poor health of many who experience homelessness is both a cause and consequence of their lack of housing. Mental, behavioral and physical health issues are well documented in our survey,” the report states.
The 2025 point-in-time count, including specific data by demographics, can be viewed by going to mendocinococ.org/pit-counts.