Homelessness Down 29% Since 2022, Count Shows

By Robert J. Hansen | OBSERVER Staff Writer Tacherra Jones, who was recently unhoused, greets Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg at a press conference announcing that homelessness in Sacramento County is down. Roberta Alvarado, OBSERVER Overall homelessness is down 29% from 2022 according to January’s point-in-time count released Wednesday by Sacramento Steps Forward. The count is conducted every two years by hundreds of volunteers and provides a snapshot of who is unhoused on a single night. An estimated 6,615 people were unhoused on a single night against 9,278 in the 2022 count, meaning 2,663 fewer people experiencing homelessness. Those left unsheltered on a given night declined 41%, as an estimated 3,944 were unsheltered, compared with 6,664 identified in 2022. Black people still are three to four times more likely to experience homelessness in Sacramento, according to the count. Native Americans are five to six times more likely. Lisa Bates, CEO of Sacramento Steps Forward, said at a press conference June 5, that the results are outstanding and reflect the city and county’s “all in” approach to addressing this crisis. “Today’s news should give you confidence that change is happening,” Bates said. Sacramento County District 2 Supervisor Patrick Kennedy is encouraged by...