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STAFF UPDATE ON HOMELESS ACTIVITIES: PIT Count
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RECOMMENDATION
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Summary
The update will include an overview of the 2026 Point in Time Count report, released by the Continuum of Care via San Joaquin County Neighborhood Preservation Department.
This effort, known as the “Point-in-Time” (PIT) Count, is a federal mandate requiring Continuums of Care (CoCs) to provide a report that captures a single night snapshot of individuals and families staying at emergency/transitional shelters in the county, as well as unsheltered individuals, such as those sleeping outside, in tents or vehicles, under bridges, or other places not meant for human habitation.
The 2026 PIT count took place on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, from 5:00 am to 10:00 am. A successful PIT Count locates as many people experiencing homelessness as possible. In San Joaquin County, the previous PIT Counts have been conducted utilizing an all-volunteer led effort, with survey support from the HMIS Lead.
After the 2022 PIT Count, the SJCoC recognized the importance of refining its methodology to better align with HUD regulations, provide a standardized methodology, and provide a more accurate count. In 2023 and 2025, the SJCoC procured a professional organization, Applied Survey Research (ASR), to conduct the 2024 and 2026 count Countywide.
Citywide for Stockton, the results indicate that previous policy decisions and investments are aligned with the strategic direction established in the Updated Regional Homeless Action Plan. Investments in shelter operations, permanent housing development, outreach coordination, prevention programs, coordinated entry, and regional partnerships have contributed to measurable improvements. Total population experiencing homelessness has decreased by 17% (2,479). The unsheltered homeless decreased by 50% (1,249), while sheltered homelessness increased by 44% (1,230), indicating that more individuals are accessing emergency and interim housing opportunities rather than remaining outdoors.