Homelessness in San Bernardino County has declined for the second year in a row, according to the results of the 2026 Point-in-Time Count. Overall, the count conducted on Jan. 22 identified 3,718 sheltered and unsheltered homeless individuals, which represents a 3.1 percent decrease from the previous year.
Among those counted, 2,448 individuals were unsheltered and 1,270 were sheltered. Unsheltered homelessness decreased by 188 individuals, or 7.1 percent, from last year. By comparison, the total homeless population decreased by 10.2 percent in 2025 after increasing by 1 percent in 2024, 26 percent in 2023 and 6.6 percent in 2022.
The annual Point-in-Time Count provides a snapshot of the county’s homeless population, which enables officials to track progress toward reducing homelessness and direct resources to areas of greatest need. It also plays a key role in securing grant funding to support people experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.
County officials said the continued decline can be attributed to expanded outreach, increased shelter capacity and ongoing investments in permanent supportive housing.
“We’re proud of the progress reflected in our Point-in-Time Count numbers,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe. “Even with this decrease, we know there is still significant work ahead, and we remain committed to building on these efforts.”
“It’s encouraging to see a decrease in homelessness this year,” said Board of Supervisors Vice Chair and Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. “It shows that expanded outreach, additional resources from the state and federal government, and coordinated strategies with our partners are all helping to move the needle in the right direction.”
“We’re pleased to see a continued decline in the numbers,” said First District Supervisor Col. Paul Cook (Ret.). “Thanks to state and federal funding, more people are being placed into housing, and the overall trend continues to move in the right direction.”
“The decline in homelessness is a clear sign that our approach is delivering results,” said Second District Supervisor Jesse Armendarez. “We will continue building on what is working, but lasting success will require sustained investment from our state and federal partners.”
“The Point-in-Time Count shows the progress our community is making and challenges us to continue to build on the framework that helps people find stability,” said Fourth District Supervisor Curt Hagman. “With strong partnerships and the right resources, we’re helping more people find safe, stable housing, and providing effective local programs to reduce homelessness.”
Each year, the Point-in-Time Count is coordinated by the San Bernardino County Homeless Partnership with support from the San Bernardino County Office of Homeless Services (OHS). This year’s count included participation from members of the Board of Supervisors, Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk Josie Gonzales, cities, towns, county employees, homeless service providers, stakeholders and community members.
“I want to thank all of the volunteers who participated in the annual Point-in-Time Count,” said OHS Chief Marcus Dillard. “Their work made it possible to carry out a coordinated effort across the county, which resulted in more comprehensive data.”
This year’s count expanded on previous efforts through additional field resources and enhanced coordination. A mobile team was available during the count to respond in real time and connect individuals experiencing homelessness with emergency housing, temporary shelter and supportive services. To further enhance the effort, the county also introduced a StoryMap, which is a web-based tool for sharing maps, apps and multimedia. These changes were intended to strengthen the Point-in-Time Count process by improving coordination in the field, enhancing real-time response capabilities, and providing volunteers with better tools and support before and during the count.
For more information about ongoing efforts to address homelessness in San Bernardino County, please visit https://sbchp.sbcounty.gov/.
Additional County Update News – April 30, 2026
- Office of Homeless Services receives Partnership Award for outstanding collaboration and service
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program secures over $25.3 million in tax refunds for San Bernardino County residents
- San Bernardino County Public Health Department hosts Inland Empire Perinatal Equity Provider Summit
- County to share next steps on AB 98 at Devore community presentation
- Flag-raising ceremony honors young lives lost to abuse and neglect
- SeeClickFix: Connecting residents to Public Works
- Old West Days returns to the County Museum
- Applications now being accepted for the San Bernardino County Civil Grand Jury
- SBC Through Your Eyes: Pacific Crest Trail
- Submit your photos and videos of the county’s destinations, nature and cityscapes
- San Bernardino County history: Interstate 15
- Things to do in San Bernardino County
- Pet of the Week: Polo