Results from the 2023 Sonoma County Homeless Count and Survey show the City of Santa Rosa, in coordination with the Sonoma Continuum of Care, is successfully addressing homelessness. During this year’s count conducted in January, 22% fewer residents were identified as experiencing homelessness countywide, and 30% fewer were counted within Santa Rosa. “While there is still plenty of work to be done to ensure all Santa Rosans are housed, these results are promising and encouraging to see,” said Megan Basinger, Director of the Housing and Community Services Department.
Sonoma County Homeless Count and Survey
The 2023 Sonoma County Homeless Point in Time Count (PIT) was conducted on January 26 and 27, 2023. In the weeks following the count, a survey was given to 445 unsheltered and sheltered individuals and families experiencing homelessness to gather basic demographic details as well as information on service needs and the use of services. Data from the count and the survey helps in understanding the homeless population and developing strategies to assist individuals experiencing homelessness.
Summary of Findings
County-wide, the PIT count identified:
- 2,266 homeless persons (22% decrease from 2022 count): 1,291 (57%) unsheltered and 975 (43%) sheltered
In Santa Rosa, the PIT count identified:
- 1,160 homeless persons (30% decrease from 2022 count). This represents 51% of the total countywide count compared to 57% in 2022
- 465 (40%) individuals were unsheltered and 695 (60%) sheltered.
- Santa Rosa’s sheltered count increased by 22% and unsheltered count decreased by 57%
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