Oceanside Point-in-Time Count Reflects Increase Amid Shelter Transition

The Regional Taskforce on Homelessness released information gathered from the 2026 Point-in-Time Count conducted on Thursday, January 29, 2026. The results of the survey reveal a 44 person (13.8%) increase in Oceanside's unsheltered population.

Understanding the Count

• The count timeframe aligns with the transition period at the Oceanside Navigation Center, when a new shelter operator was assuming management and ramping up staffing and processes.
• A record number of experienced outreach workers participated in the count, allowing for expanded coverage in areas that are traditionally more difficult to access.
• Adjacent jurisdictions also reported similar increases in unsheltered homelessness; highlighting the importance of continued regional collaboration.
• The Point-in-Time Count is a one-day snapshot and serves as one of several tools used to evaluate homelessness. It does not capture the full scope of system activity over time, including the number of individuals served, housed, or prevented from entering homelessness.
• Over the past year, many COVID-era emergency programs that supported housing stability were reduced or ended. The current data reflects, in part, the effects of those changes.
• System-wide capacity to address homelessness, such as affordable housing and availability of permanent housing vouchers, is still constrained.

Oceanside's On-going Efforts to Address Homelessness

• The Navigation Center shelter has served 137 individuals so far this year alone. Notably, during the month of March, 32% of clients exited to permanent housing. The Oceanside Navigation Center plans to expand from 50 beds to 75 beds on July 1, 2026.
• Ongoing support for the Women's Resource Center domestic violence shelter, serving individuals and families fleeing violence.
• Continued implementation of the Safe Parking Program, having served over 120 individuals in 2026 with current capacity for more.
• Deployment of state and local resources, including Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) funding.
• Oceanside Bridge Housing, with 87% of participants successfully transitioning into permanent housing, has served 23 households in the past year (3 with children).
• Use of Diversion and Resolution Strategies funding to prevent homelessness and resolve housing crises beforethey become homeless.
• Implementation of targeted outreach and housing efforts through the Encampment Resolution Fund, which has housed 75 previously unsheltered individuals, including several of the highest utilizers of emergency services.
• Over the past year, the Oceanside Fire Department has reported a notable citywide decrease in homelessness-related calls for service.

At the same time, inflow into homelessness and movement within the region continue to influence local counts.

The Oceanside City Council will soon consider a "HEART" program, which will aim to enhance Oceanside's ability to provide street-level outreach to connect the unsheltered population with the supportive services necessary to create a pathway towards housing. If approved, the new HEART program will transition street outreach from the Police Department's Homeless Outreach Team to a civilian, case management-based model with the goal of building greater trust with unsheltered residents and increasing engagement with housing and services.

Looking to the future, City staff will continue to pursue new funding sources and adapt programs to meet emerging needs.