Ventura County homeless count shows ‘noteworthy’ increase in sheltered people

Will Conybeare
·2 min read
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The Ventura County Continuum of Care Alliance has released the results for the 2024 Ventura County Homeless Point in Time Count.

The count took place on Jan. 24 and surveyed individuals who met the federal definition of homelessness, including those living unsheltered or in places not meant for human habitation, in addition to residents of emergency shelters and transitional housing on the night of Jan. 23.

About 450 volunteers assisted with the unsheltered surveys across the county, and during the point-in-time count, 2,358 homeless individuals were found, which is 3.4% less—or 83 fewer people—than 2023’s point-in-time count.

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In addition, the Ventura County Continuum of Care Alliance found a “noteworthy” 14.7% increase in sheltered people (from 808 in 2023 to 927 in 2024) and a 12% decrease in unsheltered people (from 1,633 in 2023 to 1,431 in 2024).

Ventura County officials attribute the decrease in homelessness to more emergency shelter beds being available and an influx of Emergency Housing Vouchers, which resulted in more permanent housing placements as well as a more effective survey method.

“The decrease in homelessness is encouraging and with the Ventura County Board of Supervisors’ actions to increase prevention efforts and permanent housing solutions with supportive services, we are hopeful that this trend will continue,” the Ventura County Continuum of Care Alliance said in a press release. “The increase in sheltered individuals points to the success of emergency shelter programs to provide case management and help transition unhoused people to stable housing.”

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The Point in Time count is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for communities to be eligible for federal grants addressing homelessness; the data from the annual count helps determine gaps and trends to help community leaders allocate funding for the highest needs, officials said.

The full report and an executive summary of the findings can be read here.

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