While overall homelessness in Glendale rose 12% this year, the number of unsheltered residents dropped by more than half, according to data released Thursday from the city’s annual Point-in-Time Homeless Count.
The Jan. 20 count identified 220 Glendale residents experiencing homelessness in Glendale, with 96 sheltered and 124 living in unsheltered conditions — on the street, in vehicles, tents or makeshift structures.
Last year, the sheltered population decreased 13%, while the number of unsheltered residents rose 43% in the city of nearly 188,000 total residents.
Among the 124 unsheltered people in 2026, 17 reported becoming homeless in Glendale, down 54% from 37 last year. Of the 17, nine experienced homelessness for the first time, while eight reported living in Glendale their entire lives prior to homelessness.
“Behind every number is a person with their own circumstances and needs, and our responsibility is to meet people where they are,” Mayor Ardy Kassakhian said in a statement. “Our Housing team continues to approach this work from many directions, from helping residents stay housed before they reach a crisis to connecting people experiencing homelessness with outreach, shelter, supportive services, and pathways to permanent housing.”
Housing affordability and economic instability remained leading contributors to homelessness, officials said.
The 2026 count included a survey of 39 individuals living unsheltered — 15, or 38%, said an inability to afford rent was the cause of their homelessness; 10 people totaling 26% cited job loss; eight, or 21%, cited the death of a parent; and seven survey respondents, or 18%, said illness and divorce or separation led to their loss of housing.
Five of the 15 who cited an inability to afford rent had been renting in Glendale prior to homelessness.
The count also found 18 unsheltered residents experiencing homelessness for the first time, one person fewer than last year. Six of those individuals, or 33%, were between 55 and 64 years old.
Among those experiencing homelessness for the first time, six cited divorce or separation as the cause, five cited inability to afford rent, four cited the death of a parent and four cited loss of employment.
Mental health disorders were the most frequently identified disabling condition among unsheltered individuals who participated in the survey — 17 cases, or 44%. Other conditions reported were physical disabilities, chronic health conditions, alcohol or drug use and developmental disabilities.
The city’s unsheltered population 55 or older totaled 42%, including nearly 22% who were at least 65. None of 124 unsheltered residents lived with children, count data shows.
Among the 96 sheltered residents counted this year, 52% were female and 48% were male. “Accompanied children” accounted for 48% of the sheltered population, according to the city’s data.
Hispanic or Latino people were the most numerous racial or ethnic group among sheltered people, 46%, followed by Black or African American residents, 23%.
Officials said the city’s Homeless Services agency administers federal, state, county and local programs that offer outreach, homelessness prevention, interim and permanent housing, supportive services and long-term housing stability.
The recently established Glendale Rental Assistance and Stabilization Program offers temporary financial assistance to renters going through destabilizing financial circumstances.
Officials also noted the city expects to complete development this year of 408 extremely low- to low-income housing units. Pioneer Village will provide 340 apartment homes for individuals, families and seniors earning no more than 80% of the area median income, and the Parkview Glendale will provide 68 apartments for older adults earning between 30% and 60% of AMI.
More information on Glendale’s homelessness county is on the city’s website, Engage.GlendaleCA.gov/GlendaleHomelessCount.
