North County experiences increases in annual homeless count
“The bottom line is that we need to lower the cost of housing,” Peters said.
Scott participated in the 2024 point-in-time count and while San Diego is increasing resources to address homelessness, we must build more housing to tackle this crisis.
Read more about it in this June 3rd piece from The San Diego Union Tribune, posted below:
By Luke Harold
June 3, 2024
Increases in homelessness throughout North County were part of an overall increase throughout San Diego, according to data released in late May from the annual point-in-time count.
From 2023 to 2024, there was a 68.5% increase in the unsheltered homeless population in the north coastal area that includes Encinitas, Solana Beach and Del Mar, according to the data. Carlsbad and Oceanside experienced 86.7% and 24.5% increases, respectively.
In the north coastal area, the homeless population consisted of 42% who are chronically homeless, 34% female, 5% youth and 6% veterans, according to the demographics.
Countywide, there was an 18.2% increase in the unsheltered homeless population, rising from just over 5,000 in 2023 to 6,110 in 2024.
The annual point-in-time count took place in January, with volunteers counting as many people as possible who appear to be experiencing homelessness. The results help inform the level of services and funding that the county provides and receives.
U.S. Rep. Scott Peters, who participated in the count, pointed to the rising cost of housing as one of the key factors driving the annual increases in homelessness, and residents who are pushed to the brink of homelessness.
“The bottom line is that we need to lower the cost of housing,” Peters said in a statement. “The San Diego region, like many parts of the country, faces a severe shortage of housing. While San Diego has increased its focus and resources on tackling homelessness, these efforts will only be successful when the number of people moving into permanent housing exceeds the number of people falling into homelessness every day. I’ll continue to do everything I can to bring home federal resources and partner with our local leaders.”