Santa Cruz County sees reduction in homeless population
The number of homeless people in Santa Cruz County has nearly been cut in half, according to the Santa Cruz County Homeless Census and a 44% reduction.
The bi-annual census reports the number has decreased from 3,536 in 2013 to 1,964 in 2015.
However, it also cites 69% of those surveyed fall in the unsheltered category, meaning they live on the street, in abandoned buildings, cars, vans, RVs, and in encampment areas.
The census details that 84% of respondents say they were housed in the county prior to experiencing homelessness.
Two groups that saw a significant reduction of of people experiencing homelessness were veterans and children.
The most popular answer as to why people experience homelessness was that they couldn’t afford rent.
