
Homelessness is the condition of lacking stable, safe, and adequate housing. California has the largest unhoused population than any state in the nation, surpassing over 171,500 people this year alone.
While homelessness is often thought of as street or shelter living, the definition encompasses many forms, some of which are unseen. Examples include:
The reasons for homelessness are varied and complex, ranging from the high cost of living, lack of affordable housing, barriers to employment, substance abuse, untreated mental and physical conditions, lack of social support networks, and more.
Over 2,300 people are experiencing homelessness in Ventura County, of which 1,200 are unsheltered.


In California, the lack of affordable housing is a major driver of the region’s growing homelessness crisis. Many individuals and families, unable to afford basic necessities alongside market-rate rent, are becoming homeless for the first time.
Efforts to alleviate the homeless crisis within our region have shown promising results. Since 2023, sheltered and unsheltered homelessness has decreased by 18% (Ventura County 2025 Point-In-Time Count). This achievement is a testament to the collaboration and commitment of local government agencies, nonprofits, and the public in creating impactful, sustainable solutions.
While this development is a significant milestone towards reducing the number of unhoused individuals, the urgent need for more permanent housing remains. By working together to build more community supported housing, we can continue to inspire solutions that drive meaningful change.