The Yolo County Homeless and Poverty Action Coalition (HPAC), in collaboration with Yolo County, local cities, nonprofit organizations, service providers, and community stakeholders, has released findings from the 2026 Point-in-Time (PIT) Homeless Count conducted on January 27, 2026. The report identified 912 individuals experiencing homelessness across Yolo County on a single night.

The Point-in-Time Count is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and provides a snapshot of individuals and families experiencing sheltered and unsheltered homelessness. The data helps local communities better understand homelessness trends, identify service gaps, and secure critical federal and state funding to support housing and homeless services programs.

The 2026 PIT Count showed a slight decrease from the 2024 count of 942 individuals, with 912 individuals identified countywide in 2026. Of those counted, 597 individuals (65%) were unsheltered, while 315 individuals (34.6%) were staying in emergency shelters or transitional housing programs.

“While the overall numbers show a modest decrease from 2024, the data confirms that homelessness continues to impact communities throughout Yolo County,” said Yolo County Board of Supervisors Chair Sheila Allen. “The Point-in-Time Count helps us better understand the complex challenges facing our residents and informs the strategies and partnerships needed to expand housing opportunities, behavioral health support, and homelessness prevention services.”

The count identified significant regional differences across Yolo County:

• Davis recorded 194 individuals experiencing homelessness
• West Sacramento recorded 358 individuals
• Woodland recorded 320 individuals
• Winters and rural areas recorded 40 individuals

The report also highlighted the continued prevalence of chronic homelessness and behavioral health needs among individuals experiencing homelessness in Yolo County. According to the findings:

• 592 individuals (65%) met HUD’s definition of chronic homelessness
• 256 individuals (28%) reported serious mental illness
• 306 individuals (33%) reported substance use disorders
• 221 individuals (24%) reported experiences related to domestic violence
• 138 individuals (15%) reported physical illness or disability

The report notes that homelessness in Yolo County remains primarily unsheltered, with many individuals living outdoors, in vehicles, or in locations not intended for human habitation. While the 2026 count reflects a small decline from 2024, officials caution that weather conditions during the January count may have temporarily reduced visibility of some unsheltered individuals and should not be interpreted as homelessness being resolved.

The findings also reinforce long-term trends showing significant increases in homelessness since 2017, particularly among individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Local leaders and service providers continue working collaboratively to expand permanent supportive housing, interim shelter options, rapid rehousing programs, homelessness prevention efforts, and behavioral health services throughout Yolo County.

Yolo County’s ongoing efforts to address homelessness include coordinated outreach, expansion of interim housing and shelter programs, increased prevention and diversion services, and partnerships with healthcare, behavioral health, and community-based organizations. The county also continues implementing the Yolo County Plan to Address Homelessness in collaboration with HPAC and regional partners.

When considering the numbers in the count, it is important to recognize that the PIT Count reflects only a one-night snapshot of homelessness in Yolo County. Many individuals and families move in and out of homelessness throughout the year, meaning the total number of people experiencing homelessness annually may be higher than reflected in the report.

To review the full 2026 Point-in-Time Homeless Count report, visit www.YoloHPAC.org/hic-pit-count-information. For more information about homelessness services and community efforts in Yolo County, visit www.YoloCounty.gov/HomelessServices and www.YoloHPAC.org.