New Data Show Investments Lead to Steady Progress Behind Homelessness Totals

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. - This year's One Day Homeless Count identified 2,240 individuals experiencing homelessness in the early morning hours of January 29, 2026. Of those, 1,095 were staying in shelters, an increase of 110 people from the prior Count, while 1,145 were unsheltered, essentially unchanged. The increase in sheltered homelessness reflects the County's continued expansion of shelter capacity and stronger pathways to permanent housing.

"The federally mandated Count provides an important point-in-time snapshot every two years. It's one of many data points we track on the movement of people into and out of homelessness," said Claire Cunningham, Director of the County's Human Services Agency (HSA). "Our work continues to focus both on helping people exit homelessness and preventing others from falling into it."

The One Day Count, required by federal law, provides data that helps the County of San Mateo and its partners understand homelessness in the community.

The Count reflects visual observations made during a single point in time. Because it may not accurately capture every person experiencing homelessness in the community, and in cases such as parked vehicles and RVs, uses an occupancy formula rather than a direct count, the County also conducts a monthly direct count to gather additional data. This more detailed information helps guide decisions about funding, programs, and long-term solutions that support people experiencing homelessness.

According to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development fair market rent estimates, the monthly fair market rent for a two-bedroom unit in San Mateo County increased from $3,359 in 2024 to $3,604 in 2026, underscoring the pressure high housing costs continue to place on low-income residents.

"While structural factors like high housing costs, income inequality, and longstanding systematic barriers are key drivers of homelessness, there is no single solution to the problem," said Amy Davidson, HSA's Center on Homelessness Director. "Determining the right support needed for each person requires understanding their unique circumstances, strengths and needs."

Since the last Point-in-Time Count, 1,772 people have moved from homelessness into permanent housing, reflecting the impact of a coordinated County strategy that combines affordable housing production, homelessness prevention, outreach services, and expanded shelter capacity.

Since 2013, the County has invested approximately $365 million in Measure K and other local funding to support the creation of more than 5,100 affordable permanent homes. Earlier this year, the County also launched Right at Home, a nationally grant-funded homelessness prevention program that provides flexible financial assistance and case management to help residents remain housed.

The County has also expanded efforts to support people living outdoors. Through a state-funded encampment resolution initiative, 170 people living across 26 encampments were transitioned into shelter or stable housing with supportive services. The County's Homeless Outreach Team continues to connect unsheltered residents with shelter, housing opportunities, and critical support services.

Since 2020, shelter capacity countywide has increased by 41 percent, including the opening of four new shelters providing a combined 449 beds with private accommodations and intensive supportive services. Additional investments added 45 beds at existing congregate shelters and 15 transitional housing beds paired with mental health services. Together, these efforts have expanded access to safe indoor shelter while strengthening pathways to permanent housing.

An Executive Summary of the One Day Count's preliminary findings is available, and the full report will be published this fall.

Paul Laustsen
[email protected]
650-465-9977