Community News · San Benito County
San Benito County Homeless Count Shows 57% Drop Since 2024
The 2026 Point-in-Time Count identified 267 people experiencing homelessness in San Benito County, a 57% decrease from the 621 counted in 2024, according to the Coalition of Homeless Services Providers. Of those counted, 69 were sheltered and 198 were unsheltered, with unsheltered homelessness dropping roughly 60%. CHSP officials noted that the 2025 river cleanup may have reduced the number of people present in known encampment locations during the count. A survey of 99 respondents found affordability and income to be the most frequently reported barriers to housing, and 54% reported at least one disabling condition.