VENTURA, Calif. – The Ventura County Continuum of Care (VC CoC) has reported preliminary results for the 2026 Ventura County Homeless Point in Time Count. Conducted on January 28, 2026, the count identified 1,755 individuals experiencing homelessness – a decrease of 235 people or 11.8% from 2024. Since 2023, homelessness in Ventura County has decreased by 28%.
The results reflect positive outcomes based on investments in permanent supportive housing, homelessness prevention programs, and encampment response efforts. The Ventura County Homelessness Plan (Plan) presented to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors in December 2023 provides detailed action areas, goals, and objectives that support this continued progress in reducing homelessness.
“Behind every number in this report is a person – someone whose life is changing for the better,” said Jeff Gorell, Chair of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors. “This progress reflects a strong, community-wide commitment to expanding housing, strengthening prevention, and meeting people where they are. We’re grateful to the many partners on the front lines making this work possible. While encouraged by these results, we remain focused on the goal: ensuring every person in Ventura County has stability, dignity, and a place to call home.”
Key progress of the Plan includes:
- Permanent Housing Solutions: 594 affordable housing units added, including 274 new permanent supportive housing units dedicated to persons experiencing homelessness contributing significantly to the reduction in homelessness.
- Prevention Efforts: Dedicated funding for homelessness prevention and landlord engagement programs are helping at-risk individuals and families remain housed.
- Encampment Interventions: State grant investments and coordinated efforts by the County of Ventura and local cities have resolved multiple encampments by prioritizing housing placements and delivering measurable community impact.
The annual count follows federal definitions of homelessness and includes individuals living unsheltered, in emergency shelters, and in transitional housing. Approximately 400 local volunteers participated in the unsheltered count effort. The Point in Time Count is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for communities seeking federal funding to address homelessness.
The information collected helps identify local trends, assess gaps in services, and guides the allocation of resources to areas of greatest need. The Ventura County Continuum of Care receives annual federal and state funding to support emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, homelessness prevention, street outreach, and permanent supportive housing.
The executive summary of the preliminary homeless count can be viewed on the Ventura County Continuum of Care website. Presentations on the result of the count will be provided to the VC CoC Board on April 8, 2026, and to the County of Ventura Board of Supervisors on April 28, 2026. The full report, including data from the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and other data sources, will be released in May 2026.
For more information, visit the Ventura County Continuum of Care website at coc.venturacounty.gov or contact Jennifer Harkey, VC CoC Program Director, at 805-658-4342 or email jennifer.harkey@venturacounty.gov.
