What Counting the Homeless is All About
January 20, 2026
It’s almost time for the annual Regional Task Force on Homelessness point in time count of the estimated number of people who are homeless in San Diego County.
On January 29th, volunteers will go out and count as many of those who are homeless that they can count in one day.
The count is important not only to know how many people there are who are homeless but also it can help determine what level of government funding needed to help.
This annual count is coming as the Governor Newsom is announcing that the number of people who are homeless statewide dropped slightly in 2025.
State, county and city leaders may be encouraged by that report but the problem of homelessness in San Diego remains a huge problem, arguably the biggest problem we have.
It remains a humanitarian and health problem, a crime and safety problem, what with brush fires too frequently touched off in homeless encampments, and an economic problem that has affected businesses and tourism.
Counting the homeless is one thing. Solving the homeless problem is a whole other thing.
(Photo Getty Images)