World Homeless Day is observed internationally on Oct. 10, with a goal of raising awareness about the needs of people who currently experience homelessness and promote work in local communities to address this crisis.

To promote that goal, the Goleta City Council recently issued a proclamation recognizing Oct. 10 as World Homeless Day in Goleta.

The city reports the following statistics:
• Currently, some 181,000 people in California are experiencing homelessness.
• Santa Barbara County’s 2025 Point-in-Time Count shows 2,436 people are experiencing homelessness across the county. Although the Point in Time Count has limitations in providing an accurate census, this represents a 15% increase over the 2024 count of 2,119.

The city of Goleta is part of a coalition of providers that has united to create a campaign aimed at educating South Santa Barbara community members about local homelessness issues; humanize unhoused neighbors; and motivate individuals and groups to take action to address homelessness.

The coalition also includes SB ACT, Santa Barbara Foundation, PATH Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission. 

The coalition is hosting a media campaign themed “Kindness Can Change a Life” starting Oct. 10. The video campaign features the stories of local individuals experiencing homelessness.

Watch the videos at www.sbact.org/whd.