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Homelessness in Contra Costa County showed some dramatic improvement earlier this year, decreasing 26% between 2024 and 2025, the county’s point-in-time count on Jan. 30 showed.
The point-in-time count numbers are based on how many people are homeless on one given night.
Overall, the county found 2,118 people experiencing homelessness – 725 fewer than the previous year. About 60% (1,278) of those were unsheltered, down from 1,959. About 40% (840) had shelter beds at night, down from 884 in 2024.
The count showed homelessness down in west county by 41%, central county by 33% and east County by 41%.
Thirty-six percent of the county’s homeless were white, 34% were black; 14% were Hispanic/Latina/e/o; 6% multiracial; 5% Native American, Alaska Native or Indigenous; and less than 5% other races.
Fifty-nine percent of Contra Costa’s homeless were ages 25 to 54, 28% 55 and older, 8% under 18, and 5% 18 to 24.
The county said there was a 34% increase in homeless people in temporary or permanent housing beds. Seventy-two percent of the county’s homeless had lived in Contra Costa County for 10 or more years.
Seventy-five percent of those surveyed said when they had to move, someone took their belongings or they lost them; 63% said police or city workers forced them to move; and 54% said they were offered services when forced to move.
Eighty-six percent of households surveyed said at least one member suffered from a disabling condition.
Homeless deaths in Contra Costa County fell from 113 in 2023 to 76 in 2024.
— Story by Tony Hicks, Bay City News
