The results of the 2020 Point in Time (PIT) Count of persons experiencing homelessness was released on March 10.
The count took place on January 29, 2020 by the Santa Maria/Santa Barbara County Continuum of Care (CoC). It's intended to provide a snapshot of of homelessness in the county on a single night.
The County and CoC provided oversight of the PIT Count and worked closely with Northern Santa Barbara County United Way Home for Good, Simtech Solutions and over 500 volunteers.
The total number of persons experiencing homelessness throughout the Santa Maria/Santa Barbara county was 1,897, which is about a five percent increase from last year.
The majority of the increase came from those reported to be unsheltered, and more specifically, persons living in vehicles, which is a 31 percent increase from 2019.
Ninety families (with 185 children under the age of 18) were reported homeless on the night of the count. Those families represent a decrease of 22 percent compared to 2019.
Two increases came from persons experiencing chronic homelessness (45 percent increase from 2019) and veterans experiencing homelessness (83 percent increase from 2019).
The Santa Maria/Santa Barbara County Continuum of Care Board will receive a presentation of the 2020 PIT Count on April 2 at 2 p.m. at Shepard Hall at the Santa Maria Library.
