Grand Jury report reveals “inadequate” circumstances in Santa Cruz County

Funding and resources for homeless shelters in Santa Cruz County are diminishing, according to the Santa Cruz County Grand Jury’s most recent report on the issue of homelessness.

Recent data discovered the homeless population in increasing since the last published census in 2013, the report said. About 3,536 people are reported to be homeless in the county, marking a 56 percent increase since 2009.

The Grand Jury report said dramatic funding cuts are resulting in long waitlists, short-staffing numbers and not enough case managers.

Santa Cruz County Grand Jury report on homelessness