Data from the 2026 Homeless Point-in-Time Count shows San Bernardino saw a substantial decline in homelessness over the past year, city officials announced Friday.
The Jan. 22 Point-in-Time Count by volunteers and local officials shows the number of people experiencing homelessness in the city has dropped from 1,535 in 2025 to 1,172 — a 23.6% decrease. The number of people living unsheltered on streets, in encampments or in other unsheltered circumstances was 737.
The 2025 homelessness count reported overall 1,535 people were experiencing homelessness in the city, with 981 living unsheltered.
San Bernardino officials attributed the decrease to “focused investment” along with coordination and efforts by the City Council, staff and community organizations.
“What the 2026 Point-in-Time Count shows us is that our approach is working,” Mayor Helen Tran said in a statement. “Since declaring a state of emergency in 2023, we have made homelessness a top priority, and these results show our collective efforts are making a real difference.”
Ward 4 Councilman Fred Shorett said in a statement, “Homelessness is the number one issue for our residents. We are pleased that our efforts have moved the numbers in the right direction.”
San Bernardino has significantly stepped up its response to homelessness, officials said. Since 2022, the number of shelter beds in the city has increased from approximately 422 to 894 currently.
Other changes include up scaling rapid rehousing programs, hiring more case managers, contracting with the Salvation Army for expanded outreach work and focusing efforts on areas with the most need, such as Waterman Avenue. A state Encampment Resolution grant paid for the Waterman Avenue outreach, officials said.
“I’m incredibly proud of the progress in a relatively short time made by the City’s Outreach Team, SBPD, its PEACE Team and Public Works, along with our community-based partners,” Ward 1 Councilman Theodore Sanchez said in a statement.
Individuals who receive services are required to connect with case managers. Service recipients “are expected to make measurable progress toward personal milestones, increasing the likelihood of success, ensuring accountability, and effectively using public resources,” according to the city.
While the decline in homelessness is a positive development, officials said “the work is far from over.”
Increased shelter capacity and hundreds of affordable housing units in development mark San Bernardino’s approach to establishing a long-term, sustainable response to homelessness.
“There is still more work ahead. Homelessness is still a challenge in San Bernardino,” Tran said. “However, this progress confirms that when we treat this crisis with urgency, coordination, compassion, and accountability, we can make a real difference in people’s lives.”
Officials noted that several major housing and shelter projects are underway:
- U.S. VETS Housing Project at 1351 N. E St. is a 30-unit development for low-income veterans, featuring supportive services. The city has committed $4.9 million toward the project, which broke ground on March 25.
- Lutheran Social Services Shelter: A new full-service men’s shelter with 140 beds and a grand opening scheduled for June will offer stays of up to six months.
- Alder Square at Arrowhead Grove, 575 E. Baseline St., is a 92-unit affordable housing development currently under construction, with completion anticipated in summer 2027.
- Arrowhead Grove Phase 5, 575 E. Baseline St.: In April, Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-San Bernardino, announced $3 million in Community Project Funding for 132 additional affordable housing units for the next phase of Arrowhead Grove.
- The Jamboree Affordable Housing Project is a planned 106-unit apartment development at Fifth Street and Meridian Avenue, supported by city funding.
- G Street senior housing preservation: The county is acquiring a 76-unit senior housing complex that was facing closure.
“The affordable housing projects in the pipeline will not only benefit San Bernardino’s unhoused residents, but will also help individuals and families who are at risk of becoming homeless,” Ward 3 Councilman Juan Figueroa said in a statement. “This can prevent homelessness before it happens.”
Cassandra Searcy, the city’s deputy director of housing and homelessness, added, “Together, we’ve rebuilt our affordable housing pipeline, expanded outreach, and strengthened partnerships. Our collective efforts are making a real difference.”
Residents were encouraged to help address homelessness by reporting an encampments via the GoSBCity mobile app or calling 909-998-2000.
Countywide, homelessness declined for the second consecutive year. The count on Jan. 22 identified 3,718 sheltered and unsheltered individuals, which represents a 3.1% decline from 2025.
Among those counted, 2,448 people were unsheltered and 1,270 were experiencing sheltered homelessness. Unsheltered county residents decreased by 188 individuals, or 7.1%, compared with 2025.
The county’s total unhoused population declined 10.2% in 2025 after a 1% increase in 2024, a 26% rise in 2023 and 6.6% uptick counted in 2022.
