Unsheltered Data Shows 13.7% Decline in Orange County

Orange County has experienced a 13.7 percent decline in homelessness since 2024, according to results from the 2026 Point in Time (PIT) count.

The calculations, released during a May 18 virtual press conference, include 6,321 people experiencing homelessness in Orange County on the night of Jan. 26 compared to 7,322 in the 2024 count.

“These numbers indicate that our homeless service system is working and having a positive impact, but there is still significant work ahead of us,” Orange County’s care coordination director Doug Becht said.

The sheltered count took place the night of Jan. 26 and the unsheltered count began Jan. 27 and ended Jan. 29 as part of a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) mandate that aims to determine the exact scale of national homelessness.

When it comes to Orange County residents reporting homelessness for the first time in the last year, there was an 8 percent decline from two years ago.

“This reduction represents the start of an important trend,” Becht told reporters. “We also think it represents the results of the prevention resources that were either added or continue to be offered here in Orange County.”

Homeless Prevention Stabilization

The Homeless Prevention Stabilization program is among the resources provided countywide.

The number of veterans experiencing homelessness decreased by 37 percent along with a 20 percent decline among 18 to 24-year-old youths. However, there was a slight, 1.5 percent, uptick in senior citizens experiencing homelessness compared to previous years.

“We see more people living in our shelters as they attempt to exit homeless than compared to people experiencing homelessness on the streets or in places not meant for human habitation,” Becht said.

Orange County’s South represents 21 percent of the overall 13.7 percent decline, Central Orange County represents 15.5 percent and Orange County’s North represents 7.5 percent of the drop in homelessness countywide.

The data further indicates population trends, such as having a substance use disorder, serious mental illness, physical disability, or a developmental disability followed by survivors of domestic violence and people diagnosed with HIV and AIDS.

“What we saw in this data was the continuation of what we saw in our 2025 survey, which was that financial factors are the most commonly reported response when asked what was the most significant factor leading to your homelessness,” Becht said.

In 2022, the county was tasked with developing 2,396 permanent supportive housing units by 2029. Since 2024, the county created 898 supportive and affordable housing units and the Orange County Housing Authority (OCHA) placed 841 individuals into permanent homes with federal housing choice vouchers.

Although it has yet to achieve the 2,396 goal, momentum is accelerating, according to Orange County Housing and Community Development director Julia Bidwell.

Partnerships Are a Key to Success

“Part of the success has been partnerships,” Bidwell said. “These initiatives pair special-purpose vouchers for vulnerable populations, including transitional youth with comprehensive case management and financial landlord incentives.”

Partnership agencies include Social Services, the United Way, and the Orangewood Foundation.

The county’s Continuum of Care Board and Commission to Address Homelessness plans to meet jointly with Board of Supervisors representation to study the 2026 PIT results.

“This meeting will be announced in the near future, open to the public, and will encourage representation from all stakeholders throughout our community,” Becht added.

*Image credit: Doug Becht LinkedIn profile.