The number of people identified as homeless across Stanislaus County dropped slightly from 2023 to 2024. That is, according to results of the annual Point in Time Count that was conducted in January of this year.

The number of unhoused individuals counted in the county dropped slightly, from 2,091 in the 2023 count to 2,052 in the count which took place on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024.

The count is a snapshot in time – a total of unsheltered and sheltered people experiencing homelessness.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires all local Continuums of Cares (CoCs) to conduct PIT counts as a condition to receive funding. The numbers are used to determine funding allocations to address homelessness.

“The annual Point in Time Count (PIT) provides useful data to inform the Stanislaus Community System of Care (CSOC), agencies, and non-profit organizations, in creating and assessing strategies in addressing homelessness in Stanislaus County,” stated Maryn Pitt, CSOC Chair. “It’s vital to understand who makes up our homeless populations and their challenges to accessing services and ultimately getting housed.”

The county annual census found 980 unsheltered individuals and 1,072 sheltered people in the county.

Modesto, the county seat of Stanislaus County, had the largest number of homeless surveyed with 1,622 people. Turlock, the second largest city in the county, recorded 201 homeless people. Ceres, the third largest city, has 22.

PIT Count Highlights

Who are the Homeless?

• The largest age group was 35-44 with a total of 503 people.

• 50 percent of homeless surveyed said they spent time in jail or prison; 46 percent said they stayed in a hospital overnight; and 23 percent reported they had been in a treatment center.

• 78 percent responded that they first became homeless in Stanislaus County; 68 percent said they had been homeless for more than 36 months in the community.

 • 52 percent of the count (1,072 people) came from the sheltered population-congregate shelters, transitional housing, and hotel/motel voucher programs – while 48 percent (980 people) people came from the count of people living on the streets, in parks, abandoned buildings or in their cars.

• 77 percent of the 1,072 sheltered population stayed in emergency shelters and five percent in hotels/motels, paid by non-profits while 18 percent stayed in transitional housing.

What are the reasons for becoming homeless?

• 26 percent said they were asked to leave from the place they were staying.

• 23 percent said they were unable to pay rent/mortgage.

• 13 percent responded there was abuse and violence in the home.

What are the obstacles to accessing services?

• 14 percent said lack of transportation.

• 11 percent said they didn’t have an ID or documents.

• 11 percent said they didn’t know where to go for help.

Other homeless populations (adults only)

• 26 percent had a serious mental illness.

• 16 percent had a substance use disorder.

• 11 percent were survivors of domestic violence.

The sheltered count took place on the evening of Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024. 

The 2024 Homeless Shelter Count is organized by the Stanislaus Community System of Care (CSOC) which includes local governments, non-profits, and homeless providers. CSOC is a local planning body that coordinates housing and services funding for homeless families and individuals.

For more information, visit www.csocstan.com.