Resources: Homeless Count 2011 Findings

10% less than 2007

Overall Count

The 2011 Homeless Count and Survey estimates that 4,178 people were homeless in Alameda County on a given day in late January 2011. This decrease from the 4,341 estimated in the 2009 count contributes to a 13.6% reduction in the homeless population since January 2007.

CHART: Alameda County's Total Homeless Population Over Time

Source: Alameda Countywide Homeless Count and Survey,
2007, 2009, and 2011.
[ click to enlarge ]

The community was especially concerned that the 2011 Count might show an increase in homelessness due to the recession and because the 2009 Count had identified just over 3,000 “hidden homeless” people, those living temporarily with friends or family, staying in hotels or motels, or about to be evicted within seven days, a 2.5 times increase since 2003. In light of this marked increase, the community focused resources on preventing the hidden homeless from joining the ranks of the literally homeless, those sleeping in shelters, on the streets or other places not meant for human habitation.

Using Federal Stimulus resources, the Alameda County system of care launched a countywide prevention and rapid rehousing program, known as the Priority Home Partnership, targeted at both the hidden homeless and those living in shelters. The program assisted thousands, and despite the recession, the numbers of literally homeless did not grow.

Back to the Homeless Count 2011 Findings home

Downloads

Download a PDF of the 2011 Homeless Count Report or the Key Findings only