The Ventura County Continuum of Care (VC CoC) has reported a 15.6% decrease in homelessness as part of the 2025 Ventura County Homeless Count.

Conducted on Jan. 22, the count identified 1,990 individuals experiencing homelessness, a reduction of 368 people compared to 2024. Since 2023, the overall decrease stands at 18.5%.

The progress reflects successful investments in permanent supportive housing, homelessness prevention programs, and enhanced supportive services across the county to promote housing retention, according to VC CoC.

The count, which adheres to federal definitions of homelessness, includes individuals living unsheltered, in emergency shelters, or in transitional housing.

Some 400 volunteers assisted with the unsheltered surveys during the official Point in Time Count. The effort is a requirement by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for communities to be eligible for federal grants addressing homelessness.

The results play a key role in identifying trends and gaps, guiding community leaders in allocating funding to areas of highest need.

Takeaways:

  1. Permanent Housing Solutions: Over 100 permanent housing units opening in 2024 as well as an expansion of rapid rehousing programs offering rental assistance have resulted in reductions in the number of persons experiencing homelessness.
  1. Prevention Efforts: Dedicated funds for homelessness prevention and landlord engagement are helping to address first time homelessness.
  1. Encampment Interventions: State grant investments and continued efforts by the County of Ventura and cities have resolved encampments by prioritizing housing placements, delivering a measurable community impact.

The VC CoC annually receives federal and state funding to support emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, homelessness prevention, street outreach, and permanent supportive housing initiatives.

The executive summary can be viewed on the Ventura County Continuum of Care website. The full report, including additional data from the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and other sources, will be published in May.

For more, visit the VC CoC website, call Jennifer Harkey, VC CoC program director, 805-658-4342, or email jennifer.harkey@ventura.org.