San Diego Homeless Count: Volunteer Opportunities

San Diego County Seeks Volunteers for Annual Homelessness Count Amid Shifting Trends

San Diego County is calling on residents to volunteer for the annual Point-in-Time Count on Thursday, January 29, as service providers aim to assess the needs of the region’s homeless population and inform future support efforts. Despite a recent dip in numbers, the overall trend of homelessness in North County has been on the rise.

Understanding the Point-in-Time Count

The Point-in-Time Count, organized by the Regional Task Force on Homelessness, is a crucial, albeit imperfect, effort to tally the number of individuals experiencing homelessness – both those sleeping outdoors and in shelters – on a single night in January. The data collected is used to shape homelessness plans across the region and advocate for necessary resources.

“The Point-in-Time count is a vital tool that helps us understand homelessness in our community and shape how we approach solutions,” stated a senior official from the county’s Office of Homeless Solutions.”Every volunteer plays a critical role in ensuring we have accurate data to secure resources and create programs that make a real difference.”

Did you know? – The first official Point-in-Time Count in the U.S. was conducted in 2005, mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to better understand the scope of homelessness.

Volunteer Needs and Logistics

Currently,the task force is seeking nearly 400 additional volunteers to reach its goal of 1,700. As of Wednesday, january 22, 1,313 volunteers had already signed up. Specific areas facing the greatest need include Oceanside (24 volunteers), Encinitas (17), Fallbrook (3), and San Marcos, Ramona, and Escondido (15 each).

Volunteer shifts primarily run from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m., with a limited number of evening roles available from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Individuals interested in participating can sign up for shifts at various locations throughout the county. Donations to support the count are also being accepted.

Pro tip – Volunteers are encouraged to dress warmly in layers and wear pleasant shoes, as the count involves walking and standing for extended periods. Bring a flashlight!

Recent Trends and Regional Data

Last year’s count revealed at least 9,905 people experiencing homelessness, a decrease from the 10,605 recorded the previous year. However, this decline represents a break from the broader trend in North County. Between 2020 and 2025, the region’s homeless population increased by approximately 20%.

North County’s coastal and inland areas collectively account for roughly one-sixth of the total homeless population in San Diego County in 2025.

Limitations of the Count

While the Point-in-Time Count is widely utilized in decision-making regarding homelessness, experts acknowledge its inherent limitations. A 2017 report from the National Law Centre on Homelessness and Poverty highlighted that the count often undercounts the actual number of individuals experiencing homelessness.

“Despite all the community effort and goodwill that goes into them,and due to no fault of the professionals and volunteers who carry them out,the counts are severely flawed,” the report stated. This is largely due to the fact that the count occurs on a single night,possibly missing individuals who are temporarily sheltered with friends,receiving medical care in hospitals,or are incarcerated.

To mitigate this, the Regional Task Force on Homelessness collaborates with the San Diego County sheriff’s Office to gather data on individuals who were incarcerated during the count. Data from the count typically becomes publicly available in May.

Reader question – What other methods, beyond the point-in