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In January 2024, Sacramento Steps Forward led the annual Point-In-Time (PIT) Count, including the bi-annual unsheltered count. The PIT Count, required for communities to receive federal funding, estimates the number of people experiencing homelessness and provides data that guides policy, strategies, and resource allocation at all levels of homelessness response.
This year’s count found 6,615 individuals experiencing homelessness—a 29% decrease from 2022.
Beyond this overall decrease, community investments significantly impacted homelessness, with a 41% drop in unsheltered homelessness and a 2% increase in those being sheltered. This improvement reflects the success of regional collaboration and investments, including the launch of Sacramento’s Coordinated Access System, the formal City-County Partnership, and the Local Homeless Action Plan. These partnerships enable our region to make data-driven investments in best practices, shelter capacity improvements, affordable housing, behavioral health services, and prevention strategies.
Our community's expanded capacity and progress are testaments to the collaboration of numerous partners. We extend our deepest gratitude to the volunteers, local organizations, and partners who contributed to this year’s count and the year-round efforts to address homelessness in our community.
The overall decrease aligns with other factors as well. Rents and vacancy rates—the strongest predictors of homelessness in US cities—have softened in Sacramento since 2022, with lower rents and higher vacancy rates driven by an influx of new rental properties. This has created more affordable housing options and opportunities to negotiate leases, making it easier for people to find housing
While we celebrate the progress achieved, we acknowledge the ongoing challenges and the work ahead. Homelessness is still 19% higher than in 2019, and racial disparities persist. Black residents in Sacramento County are 3–4 times more likely to experience homelessness and American Indian/Alaska Natives are 5–6 times more likely.
Continued progress will require the continued dedication of our community going to be "all in". Thank you for your continued support and partnership in this work. Together, we can make—and have made—a difference.
With deep appreciation,
Trent Simmons, PhD
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