Counting the homeless population in Monterey County

Communities across the country and here on the Central Coast took part in the biennial “Point in Time” Homeless Count on Wednesday. While most people were sleeping, volunteers were tallying the number of people living in tents, cars or shelters.

KION rode along with a group who surveyed the Chinatown and Alisal areas.

“Not as many, nothing really, just in Chinatown,” a volunteer named Margie noted. “Less people there, less tents than last year.”

She was one of many who braved the cold to count those who are forced to live in it.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requires a homeless count to be taken every other year. That data helps communities compete for federal funding. This year, Monterey and San Benito counties are receiving more than $2 million in federal funding for homeless services. The count also helps local authorities determine what services, like housing, are needed.

During the last homeless census, Monterey County saw a nearly 11-percent drop from 2013 to 2015.

“The fact is, there is still a homeless issue, especially in the Chinatown area,” said Manny Gonzalez, assistant county administrator for Monterey County. “It was far less than I’ve seen. I’ve driven there on several occasions and there seems like there were less folks there now than previous times.”

The results from the census are expected to be released in May or June.