San Bernardino Announces Significant Decrease in Homeless Population

The City of San Bernardino is has announced a substantial decline in homelessness, following the release of the 2026 Homeless Point-in-Time Count by the County of San Bernardino. The latest data, collected on January 22, shows the number of individuals experiencing homelessness within the city has dropped from 1,535 to 1,172 — a 23.6% decrease.

The decrease reflects a year of focused investment, coordination, and action by the City Council, staff, and community partners.

“What the 2026 Point in Time Count shows us is that our approach is working,” said Mayor Helen Tran. “Since declaring a state of emergency in 2023, we have made homelessness a top priority, and these results show our collective efforts are making a real difference.”

“Homelessness is the number one issue for our residents,” said Ward 4 Councilmember Fred Shorett. “We are pleased that our efforts have moved the numbers in the right direction.”

A Comprehensive Approach to Addressing Homelessness

In recent years, San Bernardino has significantly expanded its homelessness response efforts. Since 2022, the number of shelter beds in the City has increased from approximately 422 beds to 894 today.

Other changes include up scaling rapid rehousing programs, hiring additional case managers, contracting with the Salvation Army for expanded outreach, and targeting key corridors such as Waterman Avenue using a State Encampment Resolution grant.

“I’m incredibly proud of the progress in a relatively short time made by the City’s Outreach Team, SBPD, its PEACE Team, and Public Works, along with our community-based partners,” said Ward One Council member Theodore Sanchez.

San Bernardino also requires all individuals receiving services are connected with case managers and are expected to make measurable progress toward personal milestones, increasing the likelihood of success, ensuring accountability, and effectively using public resources.

A Continued Investments and Looking Ahead

While the decrease in homelessness is a positive development, City officials emphasize that the work is far from over. With new shelter capacity coming online and hundreds of affordable housing units in development, San Bernardino is working to build a sustainable, long-term response to homelessness.

“There is still more work ahead. Homelessness is still a challenge in San Bernardino. However, this progress confirms that when we treat this crisis with urgency, coordination, compassion, and accountability, we can make a real difference in people’s lives,” added Tran.

Several major housing and shelter projects are also underway:

• U.S. VETS Housing Project (1351 N. E Street): A 30-unit development for low-income veterans, featuring supportive services. The City has committed $4.9 million toward the project, which broke ground on March 25.
• Lutheran Social Services Shelter: A new full-service men’s shelter with 140 non-congregate beds with a grand opening scheduled in June, providing stays of up to six months.
• Alder Square at Arrowhead Grove (575 E. Baseline Street): A 92-unit affordable housing development currently under construction, with completion anticipated in summer 2027.
• Arrowhead Grove Phase 5 (575 E. Baseline Street):: In April, Congressman Pete Aguilar announced $3 million in Community Project Funding for 132 additional affordable housing units for the next phase of Arrowhead Grove.
• Jamboree Affordable Housing Project: A planned 106-unit affordable apartment development at 5th and Meridian, supported by City funding.  
• G Street Senior Housing Preservation: The County of San Bernardino is acquiring a 76-unit senior housing complex to preserve affordability for vulnerable residents that was at risk of closing.

“The affordable housing projects in the pipeline will not only benefit San Bernardino’s unhoused residents, but will also help individuals and families who are at risk of becoming homeless,” said Ward 3 City Councilmember Juan Figueroa. “This can prevent homelessness before it happens.”

The City of San Bernardino extends its gratitude to the Housing and Homeless Division, San Bernardino Police Department and the PEACE Team, Public Works, the County of San Bernardino, The Salvation Army, and many other partners who contributed to this progress.

“Together, we’ve rebuilt our affordable housing pipeline, expanded outreach, and strengthened partnerships,” said Cassandra Searcy, Deputy Director of Housing & Homelessness. “Our collective efforts are making a real difference.”

Residents are encouraged to remain engaged in addressing homelessness. To report an encampment, download the GoSBCity mobile app or call (909) 998-2000.