HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019alamedacountyhomelesscountreportAlameda County
HOMELESS COUNT & SURVEY
COMPREHENSIVE REPORT
REPORT PRODUCED BY ASR
2019
Table of Contents
2 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
APPLIED SURVEY RESEARCH
Applied Survey Research (ASR) is a social research firm dedicated to helping people build better
communities by collecting meaningful data, facilitating information based planning, and developing
custom strategies. The firm was founded on the principle that community improvement, initiative
sustainability, and program success are closely tied to assessment needs, evaluation of community
goals, and development of appropriate responses.
HOUSING INSTABILITY RESEARCH DEPARTMENT (HIRD)
Project Lead: Laura Petry, MSW
Senior Data Analyst: Yoonyoung Kwak, PhD
Graphic Design and Layout: Jenna Gallant, Katherine Lee, MPH
Department Vice President: Peter Connery
Department Director: Samantha Green, MSc
Department Coordinator: Jenna Gallant
LOCATIONS
Central Coast:
55 Penny Lane, Suite 101
Watsonville, CA 95076
tel 831-728-1356
Bay Area:
1871 The Alameda, Suite 180
San Jose, CA 95126
tel 408-247-8319
www.appliedsurveyresearch.org
Table of Contents
3 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
EVERYONE HOME
EveryOne Home is leading the collective effort to end homelessness in Alameda County. We’re building
momentum, using data to improve our efforts and aligning resources for long-term solutions. By
emphasizing an efficient regional response, EveryOne Home envisions that by 2023, no person will need
to sleep on the street because they have a place to call home.
EVERYONE HOME STAFF
Project Manager: Laura Guzman, Director, Continuum of Care
Bilal Mafundi Ali, Guide Recruitment Lead
Ruby Butler, Project Monitor
Elaine De Coligny, Executive Director
Dorcas Chang, Administrative Assistant
Julie Leadbetter, Director, System Coordination
Alexis Lozano, Operations Manager
Jessica Shimmin, System Analyst
ASPIRE CONSULTING LLC
Aspire Consulting LLC empowers communities to refine its programs and housing crisis response system
to be housing-focused, oriented to outcomes, effective, efficient, and well-coordinated. Focal points of
Aspire Consulting LLC’s work include: training and project management for measuring and improving
outcomes; staff training, retreats, and learning collaboratives to align organizational culture and practices
toward housing first, low barrier approaches; planning and launching coordinated entry systems;
optimizing rapid rehousing services; and training diverse community stakeholders about the cultural shift
to be more permanent housing and outcome-focused. Aspire Consulting LLC also has many years of
experience in Point-in-Time Counts, Homeless Management Information Systems, Homeless and Caring
Court, and 100 Day Challenge performance improvement initiatives. Kathie Barkow is the founder and
principal consultant of Aspire Consulting LLC.
ALAMEDA COUNTY HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Trevor Mells, HMIS Team Lead
Table of Contents
4 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
Table of Contents
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ............................................................................................................................. 5
INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................... 8
Federal Definition of Homelessness for Point-in-Time Counts ................................................................. 9
INFOGRAPHIC SUMMARY ..................................................................................................................... 10
POINT-IN-TIME COUNT: KEY DATA FINDINGS ...................................................................................... 12
Number and Characteristics of Persons Experiencing Homelessness in Alameda County .................. 12
Subpopulations ........................................................................................................................................... 20
SURVEY FINDINGS ................................................................................................................................ 21
Living Accommodations ............................................................................................................................. 21
Duration and Recurrence of Homelessness.............................................................................................. 26
Primary Cause of Homelessness............................................................................................................... 28
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity ..................................................................................................... 30
Foster Care System .................................................................................................................................... 31
Criminal Justice System ............................................................................................................................. 32
School Enrollment ....................................................................................................................................... 33
Health .......................................................................................................................................................... 34
Domestic/Partner Violence or Abuse ........................................................................................................ 36
Services and Assistance ............................................................................................................................ 37
Interest in Housing ...................................................................................................................................... 39
SUBPOPULATIONS ............................................................................................................................... 40
Single Adults 25 Years and Older ............................................................................................................... 41
Families with Children ................................................................................................................................ 45
Unaccompanied Children and Transition-Age Youth ................................................................................ 47
Individuals Experiencing Chronic Homelessness ..................................................................................... 53
Veterans ...................................................................................................................................................... 56
APPENDIX A: METHODOLOGY .............................................................................................................. 58
Street Count Methodology ......................................................................................................................... 59
Youth Count Methodology .......................................................................................................................... 61
Enumeration Challenges and Limitations ................................................................................................. 63
APPENDIX B: DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS ................................................................................ 67
APPENDIX C: POINT-IN-TIME COUNT RESULTS ................................................................................... 69
APPENDIX D: ADULT SURVEY & YOUTH SCREENING TOOL .................................................................. 75
APPENDIX E: SURVEY RESULTS............................................................................................................ 78
APPENDIX F: TABLE OF FIGURES .......................................................................................................... 84
APPENDIX G: FIGURE SOURCES ............................................................................................................ 86
Acknowledgments
5 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
Acknowledgments
The EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey planning team, consisting of EveryOne Home,
ASR, and Aspire Consulting LLC, would like to thank the many individuals and organizations for their time
and commitment to this project. This year, recruitment and training efforts yielded an extraordinary
community response, resulting in a 68% increase in volunteer and guide participation over the last
biennial count in 2017. There were 164 trained guides with current and past experience of homelessness
and 489 volunteers from many segments of our communities who, together, canvassed all of Alameda
County’s census tracts during the early morning hours of January 30, 2019. We would like to express our
deep gratitude to the teams of guides and surveyors with lived experience of homelessness, including
youth, for their outstanding fieldwork and invaluable insight in ensuring the accuracy of the count, and for
sharing their first-hand knowledge of encampments, communities living in vehicles, and locations where
unsheltered youth reside.
As in 2017, our non-profit partners, city and county employees, and local law enforcement teams assisted
with many aspects of the Point-in-Time Count, including planning meetings; conducting a pre-count
survey of people living in tents and vehicles; offering special outreach on count day; supporting the youth
count; and assisting us in successfully implementing the housing survey on the streets and in shelters
and transitional housing programs.
In addition, hundreds of incredible community members answered the call to volunteer in the early hours
of the morning. These volunteers were partnered with guides to methodically cover their assigned census
tracts, conduct the visual tally, and submit their results. Thank you to each volunteer for showing up and
getting this work done to measure our efforts.
EveryOne Home and the Alameda County Continuum of Care (CoC) provided oversight for the EveryOne
Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey. We thank the members of the HUD Continuum of Care
Committee for their input and guidance. We are also very grateful to the jurisdictional partners who
worked closely with our team to ensure communities were well represented in the planning efforts and
data collection activities.
Trevor Mells of Alameda County Housing and Community Development Department led the sheltered
count, collecting the HUD-required data from agencies that utilize the countywide Homeless Management
Information System as well as those that do not.
Special thanks to the following programs, jurisdictions, and individuals, who went above and beyond in
providing support, resulting in the critical success of EveryOne Counts! 2019:
Acknowledgments
6 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
TRAINING AND DEPLOYMENT SITES
- Allen Temple Baptist Church - Oakland City Hall
- Asbury United Methodist Church - St. Vincent de Paul Community Center
- City of Hayward - Covenant House Oakland
- City of Livermore - Youth Uprising
- First Congregational Church of Berkeley
PRE-COUNT OF VEHICLES AND TENTS
GUIDE RECRUITMENT AND SUPPORT
- Abode Services - Housing Consortium of the East Bay
- Bay Area Community Services – STAIR Center,
Berkeley, and Oakland Community Cabins
- Joe Camarillo, City of San Leandro Police
Department
- Bananas Inc. - Lava Mae Oakland
- Building Futures - Operation Dignity – Oakland Community Cabins
- CAREavan, City of Union City - Parent Voices Oakland
- CityServe of the Tri-Valley - Peter Radu, Health, Housing & Community
Services Department, City of Berkeley
- Consumer Advisory Board, Alameda County
Health Care for the Homeless
- Talia Rubin, Community Housing Services
Division, City of Oakland
- Downtown Streets Team – Hayward, Berkeley,
and Oakland - Candice Elder, The East Oakland Collective
- Homeless Action Center - UC Berkeley Outreach Team
SPECIAL OUTREACH TEAMS
- Alameda County Health Care for the Homeless - City of Pleasanton
- Berkeley Food & Housing Project Outreach Team - City of Alameda
- Building Futures’ Outreach Team - ROOTS Clinic
- City of Dublin - The East Oakland Collective
- City of Emeryville - San Leandro Police Department
- City of Livermore Police Department - Veteran Affairs’ Outreach Team
- City of Oakland
SURVEY COORDINATORS
- Judy-Jones Germany, East Oakland Community
Project - Laurie Flores, City of Fremont
- Judy Xavier, City of Livermore - Ola Colemon, East Oakland Community Project
- Khalil Tokhey, BACS Hedco Wellness Center - Omar Rascón, Alameda County Health Care for
the Homeless
- Kevin Coleman, Covenant House Oakland - Terry Kalahar, Homeless Action Center
- Berkeley Food & Housing Project - CityServe of the Tri-Valley
- Building Futures - Downtown Streets Team, Hayward
- CAREavan, City of Union City - Operation Dignity
- City of Alameda - ROOTS Clinic
- City of Fremont
Acknowledgments
7 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
YOUTH COUNT
- Beyond Emancipation - MISSSEY
- C’Mone Falls, Alameda County Social Services Agency - REACH Ashland Youth Center
- Colette (Coco) Auerswald, UC Berkeley School of
Public Health - UC Berkeley Suitcase Clinic
- Covenant House Oakland - VOICES Youth Center
- Ja’nai Aubry, Family Violence Law Center - YEAH! Covenant House
- Jasmine Gonzalez, Our Kids - Youth Action Board
- Jessica Blakemore, ALL IN Alameda
County/Interagency Children's Policy Council - Youth Uprising
- Julie Hadnot, ALL IN Alameda County/Interagency
Children's Policy Council
Special acknowledgement to Lateefah Simmon, BART Board of Directors for District 7, Karen Bastin,
BART Customer Services Manager, and Todd Morgan, BART Assistant Treasurer, for facilitating the
procurement of $5 BART cards used as Youth Count and survey incentives.
SHELTERED COUNT
- 24 Hour Oakland Parent / Teacher Children's
Center - Family Emergency Shelter Coalition (FESCO)
- A Safe Place - Livermore Homeless Refuge
- Abode Services - Oakland Catholic Worker
- Bay Area Community Services - Operation Dignity
- Berkeley Food & Housing Project (BFHP) - Ruby's Place
- Building Futures - Safe Alternatives to Violent Environments
(SAVE)
- Building Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency
(BOSS) - Salvation Army
- City of Fremont Winter Shelter - Second Chance
- CityTeam International - Shepherd's Gate
- Covenant House Oakland - St. Mary's Center
- Dream Catcher Covenant House - St. Vincent de Paul
- Dorothy Day House - Tri-Valley Haven
- East Oakland Community Project (EOCP) - YEAH! Covenant House
TRANSITIONAL HOUSING PROGRAMS
- Abode Services - First Place for Youth
- Berkeley Food and Housing Project (BFHP) - Fred Finch Youth Center (FFYC)
- Building Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency
(BOSS) - Oakland Elizabeth House
- City of Oakland/Bay Area Community Services
(BACS) - Operation Dignity
- Covenant House Oakland - Shepherd's Gate
- East Oakland Community Project (EOCP) - Women's Daytime Drop-In Center
- FESCO Family Emergency Shelter Coalition
SURVEY TRANSLATION
- Katharine Gale - Jasmine Gonzalez
- Hada Gonzalez, Eden I&R - Sandra Noorzoy, Eden I&R
Introduction
8 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
Introduction
Every two years, during the last ten days of January, communities across the country conduct
comprehensive counts of the local population experiencing homelessness in order to measure the
prevalence of homelessness in each community.
The Point-in-Time Count is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD),
but more importantly also informs local strategic planning, investment, capacity building, and advocacy
campaigns to prevent and end homelessness.
The Alameda County Continuum of Care worked in conjunction with ASR to conduct the EveryOne Counts!
2019 Homeless Count and Survey. ASR is a social research firm with extensive experience in homeless
enumeration and needs assessment that has worked with Alameda County on the EveryOne Counts!
Homeless Count and Survey since 2017.
In order for the EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey to best reflect the experience and
expertise of the community, EveryOne Home held planning meetings with local community members,
including people with lived experience of homelessness, city and county departments, community-based
service providers, and other interested stakeholders. These partners were instrumental to ensuring the
EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey reflected the needs and concerns of the community
while accomplishing several important project goals:
To preserve current federal funding for homeless services and to enhance the ability to raise new
funds;
To measure changes in the numbers and characteristics of the homeless population since the
EveryOne Counts! 2017 Homeless Count and Survey, and to track progress toward ending
homelessness;
To improve the ability of policy makers and service providers to plan and implement services that
meet the needs of the local population experiencing homelessness;
To increase public awareness of overall homeless issues and generate support for constructive
solutions; and
To assess the status of specific subpopulations, including veterans, families, unaccompanied
children, transition-age youth, and those experiencing chronic homelessness.
The EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey consisted of four primary components: (1) the
general street count, an observation-based enumeration of unsheltered persons between the hours of
approximately 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.; (2) the youth count, a targeted enumeration of unsheltered youth
under the age of 24 between the hours of approximately 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; (3) the sheltered count,
an enumeration of persons residing in emergency shelter, safe haven, and transitional housing facilities
the night before the general street count; and (4) the survey, an in-person survey of a randomized sample
of unsheltered and sheltered persons conducted by trained peer surveyors and program staff in the
weeks following the general street count.
Introduction
9 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
On January 30, 2019, every census tract in Alameda County was covered with the support of 164
individuals with lived experience of homelessness and 489 community volunteers, staff from various city
and county departments, and law enforcement. This resulted in a peer-informed visual count of
individuals and families residing on the streets and in vehicles, makeshift shelters, encampments, and
other places not meant for human habitation. Emergency shelter, safe haven, and transitional housing
facilities also reported the number of individuals and families who occupied their facilities on the night
prior to the morning of the count.
A specialized count of unaccompanied children and transition-age youth under the age of 25 was
conducted on the same day. This dedicated count was designed to improve the understanding of the
scope of youth homelessness. Trained youth enumerators who currently or recently experienced
homelessness conducted the count in specific areas where young people experiencing homelessness
were known to congregate. The dedicated youth count methodology was improved in 2019 to screen for
age and to better ensure unaccompanied children and transition-age youth were not included in both the
general street count and youth count.
In the weeks following the street count, an in-depth survey was administered to a sample of 1,681
unsheltered and sheltered individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The survey gathered
basic demographic details as well as information on residency, housing history, personal characteristics,
and intersections with the service system.
This report provides data regarding the number and characteristics of people experiencing homelessness
in Alameda County on a single night, January 29, 2019. Special attention is given to specific
subpopulations defined by HUD, including persons experiencing chronic homelessness, veterans,
families, unaccompanied children under the age of 18, and transition-age youth between the ages of 18
and 24. This report is intended to assist service providers, policy makers, funders, and local, state, and
federal governments in gaining a better understanding of the population currently experiencing
homelessness, measuring the impact of current policies and programming, and planning for the future.
To better understand the dynamics of homelessness over time, results from the previous count in 2017
are provided where available and applicable.
FEDERAL DEFINITION OF HOMELESSNESS FOR POINT-IN-TIME COUNTS
In this study, the HUD definition of homelessness for the Point-in-Time Count is used. This definition
includes individuals and families:
Living in a supervised publicly or privately operated shelter designated to provide temporary living
arrangement; or
With a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily
used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings, including a car, park, abandoned
building, bus or train station, airport, or camping ground.
For more information regarding the count and dedicated youth count, de-duplication, and project
methodology, please see Appendix A: Methodology.
Alameda County2019 EveryOne Counts Homeless Point-in-Time Count & Survey
Every two years, during the last 10 days of January, communities across the country conduct comprehensive counts of people experiencing homelessness in order to measure the prevalence of homelessness in each local community.
The 2019 Alameda County EveryOne Home Point-in-Time Count was a community-wide effort conducted on January 30th, 2019. In the weeks following the street count, a survey was administered to 1,681 unsheltered and sheltered individuals experiencing homelessness in order to profile their experience and characteristics.
Homeless Census Population
Sheltered/ Unsheltered Population
79%Unshelteredn=6,312
21%Shelteredn=1,710
Sheltered/Unsheltered Population by City
Union City
Livermore
0Sheltered 74Sheltered178Unsheltered 344Unsheltered
Dublin Pleasanton
Albany
115Sheltered 0Sheltered372Unsheltered 106Unsheltered
Unincorporated
Piedmont
Total 1,710
Sheltered
6,312
Unsheltered
Fremont
0Sheltered 0Sheltered8Unsheltered 70Unsheltered
Newark
Hayward
295Sheltered 0Sheltered813Unsheltered 0Unsheltered
Emeryville
Berkeley
Oakland
0Sheltered 861Sheltered35Unsheltered 3,210Unsheltered
Alameda
123Sheltered 28Sheltered485Unsheltered 321Unsheltered
99Sheltered 30Sheltered132Unsheltered 59Unsheltered
San Leandro
179Unsheltered85Sheltered
51+48+48+45+66+934,040
2015
4,178
2011
4,341
2009
5,629
2017
8,022
2019
4,264
2013
Duration of Current Episode
of Homelessness
5%30 Days or Less
24%1-11 Months 63%1 Year or More
Primary Causes of
Homelessness
Top 6 Responses
13%Lost Job 12%Mental Health Issues
10%Substance Use Issues
9%Eviction/Foreclosure
9%Rent Increase
8%Incarceration
33%Rent Assistance
30%Benefits/Income
23%Employment Assistance
21%Mental Health Services
Top 4 Responses
What Might Have
Prevented
Homelessness
Unsheltered Population by Location
1%Abandoned Building(84)
23%Car/Van (1,431)
22%RV(1,386)
34%Tent (2,172)
20%Street/Outside(1,239)
Residence Prior to Homelessness
78%
Alameda County 13%5-9 Years57%10 Years+
Length of Time in Alameda County
12%< 1 Year13%1-4 Years
How New Money
Should Be Spent
52%Affordable Rental Housing
31%Employment Training/Job Opportunities
25%24/7 BasicSanitation
22%Substance Use/Mental Health Services
38%Permanent Help with Rent/Subsidies
20%EmergencyShelter
2+29 17+23
Latinx/Hispanic
17%23%2+12%
29%31+4331%43%47+1111%
47%
2%1%4+14%1%14+614%6%
Native Hawaiian/ Other Pacific IslanderWhiteBlack/ African American AsianAmerican Indian/ Alaska Native
MultipleRaces/Other
Alameda County will release a comprehensive report of the 2019 EveryOne Home Homeless Count and Survey in Summer 2019. For more information about EveryOne Home and efforts to address homelessness in Alameda County please visit www.EveryOneHome.org
For definitions, additional information on methodology or efforts to address homelessness, visit www.everyonehome.org.
Source: Applied Survey Research, 2019, Alameda EveryOne Home Homeless Count & Survey, Watsonville, CA.
39%
Psychiatric/ Emotional Conditions
Health
Conditions+
Current health conditions reported by survey respondents.
30%
Alcohol & Drug Use
26%
Chronic Health Problems
PTSD
30%
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
24%
Physical Disability
13%
Traumatic Brain Injury
5%
HIV/ AIDS Related Illness
42% of survey respondents reported having at least one disabling condition.
Disabling
Conditions
A disabling condition is defined by HUD as a developmental disability, HIV/AIDS, or a long-term physical or mental impairment that impacts a person’s ability to live independently, but could be improved with stable housing.
80%Unsheltered20%Sheltered
Unaccompanied Youth and Young Adults | 731 People
Subpopulations
73%Unsheltered27%Sheltered
Chronically Homeless | 2,236 People
79%Unsheltered21%Sheltered
Veterans | 692 People
Household Breakdown
5%Unsheltered95%Sheltered
Families | 524 People in 170 Households
31%Unsheltered69%Sheltered
Unaccompanied Youth | 29 People in 29 Households
84%Unsheltered16%Sheltered
Single Adults | 7,469 People in 7,460 Households
4%Under 18 9%18-24
73%25-59 14%60+
Age
14% of survey respondents identified as LGBTQ+.
LGBTQ+ Status
Gender
61%Male 35%Female 2%Transgender 2%Gender Non-Binary
13%18-24
19%40-49 13%50-64 3%65+
11%0-17
Age at First Episode
of Homelessness
32%25-39
First Episode of
Homelessness
62% of those experiencing homelessness for the first time were homeless for one year or more.
31% Yes
Not Interested
in Housing
3% of survey respondents said they were not interested in Independent, Affordable Rental Housing or Housing with Supportive Services.
Ethnicity
Race and Ethnicity Compared to General Population
2019 Homeless Population 2017 General Population
Race
Point-in-Time Count: Key Data Findings
12 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
Point-in-Time Count: Key Data
Findings
The EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey includes a complete enumeration of all people
who were unsheltered and people who were residing in a publicly or privately funded emergency shelter,
safe haven, or transitional housing facilities. The general street count was conducted on January 30, 2019
from approximately 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The weather was seasonally normal with no rain. The shelter
count was conducted on the previous evening and included all individuals staying in emergency shelter,
winter shelter, safe haven, and transitional housing facilities. The general street count and shelter count
methodologies were similar to those used in 2017, with some improvements.
NUMBER AND CHARACTERISTICS OF PERSONS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS IN
ALAMEDA COUNTY
TOTAL POPULATION AND TREND DATA
A total of 8,022 individuals experiencing homelessness were counted on January 30, 2019, an increase of
2,393 individuals (+43%) from 2017.
FIGURE 1. TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS IN ALAMEDA COUNTY
DURING THE POINT-IN-TIME COUNT
4,341 4,178 4,264 4,040
5,629
8,022
2009 2011 2013 2015 2017 2019
Point-in-Time Count: Key Data Findings
13 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
SHELTERED AND UNSHELTERED STATUS
While the number of individuals served by shelters decreased slightly (-3%) between 2017 and 2019, there
was an increase of 2,449 unsheltered individuals (+63%). In 2019, 79% of the people experiencing
homelessness in Alameda County were unsheltered compared to 69% in 2017.
FIGURE 2. TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS BY SHELTER STATUS
2009 2011 2013 2015 2017 2019
Sheltered 2,800 2,106 1,927 1,643 1,766 1,710
Unsheltered 1,541 2,072 2,337 2,397 3,863 6,312
Total 4,341 4,178 4,264 4,040 5,629 8,022
Total Homeless
Population: 8,0222019
79%21%
0%100%
2019
Unsheltered Sheltered
Point-in-Time Count: Key Data Findings
14 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
Over one-third (35%) of the population were residing in vehicles. An additional 27% were residing in tents
or makeshift shelters and 15% were identified sleeping on the streets and in other outdoor locations. One
percent (1%) were identified in non-residential buildings.
Since 2017, the total number of individuals living in unsheltered locations increased by 63% (2,449
individuals). While the number of individuals sleeping on the streets and other outdoor locations
decreased by 21% (331 individuals), the number of individuals sleeping in tents increased by 162% (1,342
individuals). The total number of persons residing in their vehicles increased by 124% (1,558 individuals),
with the number of persons residing in RVs increasing by 146% (823 individuals) and the number of
persons residing in cars or vans increasing by 106% (735 individuals).
FIGURE 3. TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS BY LOCATION
HOUSEHOLD STATUS AND AGE
Persons in families with at least one adult and one child under age 18 represented approximately 7% of
the overall population experiencing homelessness in Alameda County, a notable decrease (-26%) over
2017. Most persons in families (95%) were enumerated in county shelters and transitional housing
programs.
Ninety-three percent (93%) of the population experiencing homelessness were single individuals. Eighty-
four percent (84%) of single individuals were unsheltered.
FIGURE 4. TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS BY HOUSEHOLD TYPE,
AGE, AND SHELTER STATUS
POPULATION UNSHELTERED SHELTERED TOTAL TOTAL PERCENT
Persons in Families
with Children 27 497 524 7%
Children under 18 14 286 300 4%
Youth 18-24 1 34 35 <1%
Adults 25+ 12 177 189 2%
Single Individuals 6,285 1,213 7,498 93%
Children under 18 9 20 29 <1%
Youth 18-24 579 139 718 9%
Adults 25+ 5,697 1,054 6,751 84%
Note: Single Individuals include couples without children and unaccompanied children and youth without a parent or guardian.
Point-in-Time Count: Key Data Findings
15 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
HOUSEHOLD STATUS AND GENDER
Overall, 61% of the population experiencing homelessness in Alameda County identified as male, 35% as
female, 2% as transgender, and 2% as gender non-conforming.
FIGURE 5. TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS BY GENDER
2019 n= 8,022; 2017 n= 5,629
Gender varied by household type. Sixty-three percent (63%) of single individuals identified as male, while
64% of people in families, including children, identified as female.
FIGURE 6. TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS BY HOUSEHOLD TYPE,
GENDER, AND SHELTER STATUS
POPULATION UNSHELTERED SHELTERED TOTAL TOTAL PERCENT
Persons in Families 27 497 524 7%
Male 11 177 188 2%
Female 16 320 336 4%
Transgender 0 0 0 0%
Gender Non-Conforming 0 0 0 0%
Single Individuals 6,285 1,213 7,498 93%
Male 3,937 785 4,728 59%
Female 2,076 417 2,493 31%
Transgender 114 8 122 2%
Gender Non-Conforming 158 3 161 2%
Note: Single Individuals include couples without children and unaccompanied children and youth without a parent or guardian.
35%41%
61%58%
2%1%2%
<1%
0%
100%
2019 2017
Female Male Transgender Gender Non-Conforming
Point-in-Time Count: Key Data Findings
16 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
ETHNICITY AND RACE
The U.S. Census Bureau as well as HUD report race and ethnicity separately. In 2019, 17% of individuals
experiencing homelessness identified as Hispanic/Latinx.
FIGURE 7. TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS EXPREIENCING HOMELESSNESS BY HISPANIC/LATINX
ETHNICITY
2019 Homeless Count n=8,022; 2017 Homeless Count n=5,629; 2017 General Population n=1,629,615
Individuals identifying as Black/African American were overrepresented in the population experiencing
homelessness. An estimated 47% of persons experiencing homelessness identified as Black/African
American compared to 11% of the county’s overall population. Alternatively, 2% of those counted
identified as Asian compared to 29% of the general population.
FIGURE 8. TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS BY RACE
2019 Homeless Count n=8,022; 2017 Homeless Count n=5,629; 2017 General Population n=1,629,615
Note: Percentages may not add up to 100 due to rounding.
17%17%23%
83%83%77%
2019 Homeless Count 2017 Homeless Count 2017 Alameda County
General Population
0%
100%
Hispanic/Latinx Non-Hispanic/ Latinx
47%
31%
14%4%2%2%
49%
30%
15%
3%2%1%11%
43%
15%
1%
29%
1%
Black or African
American
White Other/
Multi-race
American Indian or
Alaska Native
Asian Native Hawaiian or
Pacific Islander
2019 Homeless Count 2017 Homeless Count 2017 Alameda County General Population
Point-in-Time Count: Key Data Findings
17 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION
Similar to 2017, the population of individuals experiencing homelessness in Alameda County was
concentrated in the urban centers. Over half (51%) were enumerated in Oakland, followed by 14% in
Berkeley. Eight percent (8%) of those experiencing homelessness were located in Fremont and 6% were in
Hayward.
With the exception of Albany and Piedmont, increases in the number of unsheltered individuals
experiencing homelessness were observed in every jurisdiction within Alameda County.
FIGURE 9. TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS BY JURISDICTION AND
SHELTER STATUS
2017 2019
Jurisdiction Sheltered Unsheltered Total Sheltered Unsheltered Total
Alameda 94 110 204 99 132 231
Albany 0 66 66 0 35 35
Berkeley 308 664 972 295 813 1,108
Dublin 0 21 21 0 8 8
Emeryville 0 29 29 0 178 178
Fremont 197 282 479 123 485 608
Hayward 84 313 397 115 372 487
Livermore 102 141 243 85 179 264
Newark 42 28 70 30 59 89
Oakland 859 1,902 2,761 861 3,210 4,071
Piedmont 0 0 0 0 0 0
Pleasanton 0 18 18 0 70 70
San Leandro 54 55 109 74 344 418
Union City 0 40 40 0 106 106
Unincorporated 26 194 220 28 321 349
Total 1,766 3,863 5,629 1,710 6,312 8,022
Point-in-Time Count: Key Data Findings
18 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
The following map of the Point-in-Time Count population illustrates the jurisdictions with the highest
density of individuals experiencing homelessness.
FIGURE 10. TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS BY JURISDICTION
Point-in-Time Count: Key Data Findings
19 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
On January 30, 2019, volunteers and guides were assigned to count every census tract in Alameda
County on to ensure full coverage. Census tract level data provides a more nuanced understanding of
where individuals were located on the morning of the count.
FIGURE 11. TOTAL NUMBER OF UNSHELTERED PERSONS BY CENSUS TRACT
Point-in-Time Count: Key Data Findings
20 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
SUBPOPULATIONS
Home, Together: The Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness outlines national objectives
and evaluative measures for ending homelessness in the United States. To adequately address the
diversity within the population experiencing homelessness, the federal government identifies four
subpopulations with particular challenges or needs. Consequently, these subpopulations represent
important reportable indicators for measuring local progress toward ending homelessness. Additional
detail on families, unaccompanied children and transition-age youth, veterans, chronically homeless, and
veteran populations are provided in the Subpopulation section of this report.
REPORTED SUBPOPULATIONS
Unaccompanied children and transition-age youth represented 9% of the overall population in 2019, a
decrease from 18% in 2017. This decrease may be attributed, in part, to a shift in the methodology used
to estimate the number of unaccompanied children and transition-age youth experiencing homelessness
as well as the challenges in enumerating this population. Please reference Appendix A for more
information. Additionally, please note that unaccompanied children and transition-age youth may also be
referred to as unaccompanied youth and young adults.
In 2019, 7% of the overall population experiencing homelessness were persons in families with children
under the age of 18 (524 individuals). This was a decrease from 2017, when families represented 13% of
the population (711 individuals). This may be due in part to challenges in enumerating unsheltered
families; for more information about limitations of methodology, please reference Appendix A.
Twenty-eight percent (28%) of the population were identified as chronically homeless in 2019, similar to
the 29% in 2017. Nine percent (9%) of the population were identified as veterans; while this was
consistent with the percentage of the population identified as veterans in 2017, the number of veterans
increased by a total of 161 individuals.
Adults with serious mental illness comprised nearly one-third (32%) of the population in 2019 compared
to 29% in 2017.The percentage of adults living with HIV/AIDS remained consistent with prior years (3%).
FIGURE 12. FEDERALLY REPORTED SUBPOPULATIONS
2015 2017 2019
# % # % # %
Persons in Families with Children 985 24% 711 13% 524 7%
Unaccompanied Youth and
Young Adults
299 7% 991 18% 731 9%
Chronically Homeless 689 17% 1,652 29% 2,236 28%
Veterans 388 10% 531 9% 692 9%
Adults with Serious Mental Illness 714 18% 1,622 29% 2,590 32%
Adults with HIV/AIDS 68 2% 157 3% 207 3%
Total Homeless Population 4,040 5,629 8,022
Survey Findings
21 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
Survey Findings
This section provides an overview of the findings generated from the survey component of the EveryOne
Counts! 2019 Homeless County and Survey. Surveys were administered to a randomized sample of
homeless individuals between February 1 and 28, 2019. This effort resulted in 1,681 complete and unique
surveys.
Based on a Point-in-Time Count of 8,022 homeless persons, with a randomized survey sampling process,
these 1,681 valid surveys represent a confidence interval of +/- 2% with a 95% confidence level when
generalizing the results of the survey to the entire estimated population of individuals experiencing
homelessness in Alameda County. In other words, if the survey were conducted again, we can be 95%
certain that the results would be within two percentage points of the current results.
In order to respect respondent privacy and to ensure the safety and comfort of those who participated,
respondents were not required to complete all survey questions. Missing values were intentionally
omitted from the survey results. Therefore, the total number of respondents for each question will not
always equal the total number of surveys conducted. For more information regarding the survey
methodology, please see Appendix A: Methodology.
Note on 2017 Comparison Data: Beginning in 2019, “Refuse” was included as an answer choice for all
survey questions while it was previously included for select questions. Consequently, caution is advised in
comparing trend data where 2017 “Refuse” data are noted as unavailable.
LIVING ACCOMMODATIONS
Where individuals lived prior to experiencing homelessness and where they have lived since impacts the
way they seek services, as well as their ability to access support from friends or family. Previous
circumstances can also point toward gaps in the system of care and opportunities for systemic
improvement and homelessness prevention.
PLACE OF RESIDENCE
Knowing where individuals were living prior to their housing loss informs discussions regarding how local
the homeless population is to the region. This information can also influence changes to available
support systems if Alameda County finds increasing numbers of individuals living locally before
experiencing homelessness.
Seventy-eight percent (78%) of respondents reported living in Alameda County at the time they most
recently became homeless. Fourteen percent (14%) reported living in another county in California; this
included 4% from San Francisco and 2% from Contra Costa County. Three percent (3%) reported living out
of state at the time they lost their housing.
Survey Findings
22 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
FIGURE 13. PLACE OF RESIDENCE AT TIME OF HOUSING LOSS
2019 n=1,633; 2017 n=1,191
Note: Percentages may not add up to 100 due to rounding.
In total, 57% of respondents reported they had been living in Alameda for 10 years or more (this included
individuals who were born or grew up in the county). Approximately 12% of the population had been living
in Alameda County for less than one year.
FIGURE 14. LENGTH OF TIME SPENT IN ALAMEDA COUNTY
2019 n=1,546; 2017 n=1,171
Note: Percentages may not add up to 100 due to rounding.
19%
9%
16%
57%
6%
12%
13%
13%
57%
Refuse
Less than 1 year
5-9 years
1-4 years
10 years or more
2019 2017
78%
14%
3%5%
82%
15%
3%-
Alameda County Other CA County Out of State Refuse
2019 2017
Survey Findings
23 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
Respondents were asked why they stay in their current location. Responses varied among sheltered and
unsheltered respondents. Among unsheltered respondents, 40% reported that they grew up in the area or
considered the area their home and 16% reported they stayed in the location because it was close to
friends or family. Among sheltered respondents, 35% stayed there because they grew up in the area or
considered the area their home, and 23% reported staying in the location because shelter or housing
programs were located there. Eight percent (8%) of both sheltered and unsheltered respondents reported
staying in a location because it was close to services.
FIGURE 15. REASON FOR STAYING IN CURRENT LOCATION (SPECIFIC PLACE)
Unsheltered n=1,224; Sheltered n=458
Note: Multiple response question, percentages will not add up to 100.
40%
16%15%8%7%7%5%2%
35%
11%11%8%4%8%
23%
1%
Grew Up
Here
Close to
Family/
Friends
Feel Safe Close to
Services
For a Job/
Seeking
Work
Other Shelter or
Housing is
Located Here
LGBTQ
Community/
Acceptance
Unsheltered Sheltered
Survey Findings
24 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
PRIOR LIVING ARRANGEMENTS
Similar to previous place of residence, the type of living arrangements maintained by individuals before
experiencing homelessness provides a look into what types of homeless prevention services might be
offered to help individuals maintain their housing.
Where individuals were living varied slightly by whether or not it was the first time they were experiencing
homelessness. Respondents experiencing homelessness for the first time reported higher rates of living
in either a home owned or rented by themselves or a partner, or with friends or relatives immediately prior
to experiencing homelessness. While these same living arrangements were the most frequently cited
among respondents with multiple experiences of homelessness, these respondents reported higher rates
of staying in a motel or hotel, jail or prison, or hospital or treatment facility immediately prior to their
current episode of homelessness.
FIGURE 16. LIVING ARRANGEMENTS IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS BY
FIRST-TIME HOMELESSNESS
2019 First Time n=492; Multiple Experiences n=1,013
Note: Percentages may not add up to 100 due to rounding.
2%
5%
8%
4%
11%
7%
10%
24%
30%
1%
1%
3%
3%
4%
6%
6%
37%
39%
Foster Placement
Hospital or
Treatment Facility
Jail/Prison
Refuse
Motel/Hotel
Subsidized Housing
Other
A Home Owned or Rented
by You or Your Partner
With Friends/Relatives
First Time Multiple Experiences
Survey Findings
25 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
CURRENT LIVING ARRANGEMENTS
Understanding the types of places individuals experiencing homelessness are sleeping can help inform
local outreach efforts. While basic information on where individuals were observed during the general
street count effort was collected, survey respondents were also asked about their living arrangements on
the night of the count.
When asked about their living arrangements, 37% of survey respondents reported sleeping outdoors,
either on the streets, in parks, or encampments. Another 37% reported staying in an emergency,
transitional, or other type of shelter. Fifteen percent (15%) reported staying in a structure or indoor area
not intended for human habitation, 10% were residing in a motel or hotel, and 10% were in a vehicle.
FIGURE 17. CURRENT LIVING ARRANGEMENTS
2019 Count Population n=8,022; 2019 Survey Population n=1,682
Note: Percentages may not add up to 100 due to rounding.
43%
21%
<1%
35%37%37%
15%10%
Outdoors/
Streets/Parks/
Tents
Emergency,
Transitional,
or Other Shelter
A Structure
or Indoor Area
Not Normally
Used for Sleeping
Vehicle
(Car/Van/RV/Camper)
2019 Count Population 2019 Survey Population
Survey Findings
26 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
DURATION AND RECURRENCE OF HOMELESSNESS
Unstable living conditions, poverty, housing scarcity, and many other issues often lead to individuals
falling into homelessness. For some, the experience of homelessness is part of a long and recurring
history of housing instability. While there is research that demonstrates how housing instability has many
of the same effects as literal homelessness, particularly on families and children, extended periods of
homelessness can affect a person’s ability to obtain housing and employment and lead to increased
health risks.1 The length of time individuals remain on the street can also indicate the strain on the
homeless assistance and housing systems.
Thirty-one percent (31%) of 2019 survey respondents reported experiencing homelessness for the first
time.
FIGURE 18. EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS FOR THE FIRST TIME
2019 n=1,628
Some individuals who experience homelessness will cycle in and out of stable housing. Over one-quarter
(27%) of respondents reported experiencing homelessness three or more times in past three years.
FIGURE 19. NUMBER OF EPISODES OF HOMELESSNESS IN THE PAST THREE YEARS
2019 n=1,637; 2017 n=1,185
Note: Percentages may not add up to 100 due to rounding.
1 Buckner, J.C. (2008). Understanding the impact of homelessness on children: Challenges and future research directions.
American Behavioral Scientist 51 (6), 721-736.
31%64%5%
0%100%
2019
Yes No Refuse
45%
19%12%5%3%7%9%
51%
19%17%
5%2%7%-
1 Time 2 Times 3 Times 4 Times 5 Times 6 Times or More Refuse
2019 2017
Survey Findings
27 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
The majority (63%) of survey respondents reported their current episode of homelessness lasting for one
year or longer. Two percent (2%) of respondents reported experiencing homelessness for one week or
less.
FIGURE 20. LENGTH OF CURRENT EPISODE OF HOMELESSNESS
2019 n=1,638; 2017 n=1,184
Note: Results for ‘Refuse’ are unavailable for 2017 as this answer choice was added to this survey question beginning in 2019.
Respondents were asked the age at which they first experienced homelessness. This question provides
some insight into how homelessness and housing instability affect the population over their lifetime.
Eleven percent (11%) of respondents first experienced homelessness as a child under the age of 18, 13%
first experienced homelessness as a young adult between the ages of 18 and 24, and over two-thirds
(68%) reported their first time experiencing homelessness occurring over the age of 24. Among those
who first experienced homelessness at age 25 and older, 16% reported first experiencing homelessness
at age 50 or older.
In comparison, 4% of persons identified in the count were under the age of 18, 9% were between the ages
of 18 and 24, 73% were between the ages of 25 and 59, and 14% were age 60 or older.
FIGURE 21. AGE AT FIRST EXPERIENCE OF HOMELESSNESS
2019 n=1,647; 2017 n=1,046
Note: Percentages may not add up to 100 due to rounding.
Note: Results for ‘Refuse’ are unavailable for 2017 as this answer choice was added to this survey question beginning in 2019.
2%3%5%10%9%
63%
8%2%4%10%16%10%
58%
-
7 Days or Less 8-30 Days 1-3 Months 4-6 Months 7-11 Months 1 Year or More Refuse
2019 2017
11%13%
32%
19%
13%
3%
8%
13%
21%
34%
16%15%
2%-
0-17 Years Old 18-24 Years
Old
25-39 Years 40-49 Years 50-64 Years 65 Years or
Older
Refuse
2019 2017
Survey Findings
28 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
PRIMARY CAUSE OF HOMELESSNESS
The primary cause of an individual’s inability to obtain or retain housing is often difficult to pinpoint, as it
is often the result of multiple and compounding causes. An inability to secure adequate and affordable
housing can also lead to an inability to address other basic needs, such as health care and adequate
nutrition.
When asked to identify the primary event or condition that led to their current homelessness experience,
from a limited list of predominantly personal reasons, 31% cited economic factors such as job loss (13%),
eviction or foreclosure (9%), and rent increase (9%). Over one-fifth (22%) cited behavioral health issues
such as mental health (12%) and substance use (10%).
Although not among the most frequent responses, other reported causes of homelessness included
family or friends could not afford to let them stay (7%) and family or domestic violence (6%).
FIGURE 22. PRIMARY CAUSE OF HOMELESSNESS (TOP SIX RESPONSES)
2019 n=1,655
Note: Multiple response question, percentages will not add up to 100.
13%12%10%9%9%8%
Job Loss Mental
Health Issues
Substance
Use Issues
Eviction/
Foreclosure
Rent
Increase
Incarceration
2019
Survey Findings
29 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
SUPPORT THAT MIGHT HAVE PREVENTED HOMELESSNESS
Many individuals experiencing homelessness face significant barriers in retaining permanent housing.
These barriers can range from housing affordability and availability to accessing the economic and social
supports (e.g., increased income, rental assistance, and case management) needed to access and retain
permanent housing.
When asked what might have helped them retain their housing, respondents most often cited income-
related resources (59%) including benefits, increased income, employment assistance, and child support.
Thirty-eight percent (38%) cited the need for behavioral health services (i.e., mental health and substance
use counseling) while 33% reported that rental assistance would have prevented their current
homelessness.
Other supports cited in 2019 included legal assistance (14%); help obtaining resources after leaving a
hospital, treatment, jail, or prison facility (11%); and family counseling (10%).
FIGURE 23. SUPPORT THAT MIGHT HAVE PREVENTED HOMELESSNESS (TOP FIVE RESPONSES)
2019 n=1,658; 2017 n=1,185
Note: Multiple response question, percentages will not add up to 100.
33%30%23%21%17%
42%
24%
36%
22%13%
Rental Assistance Benefits/Income Employment
Assistance
Mental Health
Services
Alcohol/Drug
Counseling
2019 2017
Survey Findings
30 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY
While limited data are available on the number of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+)
individuals experiencing homelessness, available data suggest that LGBTQ+ individuals experience
homelessness at higher rates – especially among those under the age of 25.2 3
Fourteen percent (14%) of survey respondents identified as LGBTQ+ in 2019. Of those, 43% identified as
bisexual, 19% as gay, 16% as lesbian, 12% as transgender, and 8% as queer. Ten percent (10%) of LGBTQ+
respondents reported an unspecified identity.
FIGURE 24. SEXUAL AND GENDER IDENTITY
LGBTQ+ 2019 n=1,682, Breakout n=229 respondents offering 254 responses
Note: Multiple response question, percentages will not add up to 100.
2 True colors. (2017). Our Issue. 40% of Youth Experiencing Homelessness Identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or
Transgender (LGBT). Retrieved 2017 from https://truecolorsfund.org/our-issue/
3 National Coalition for the Homeless. LGBT Homelessness. Retrieved 2017 from
http://nationalhomeless.org/issues/lgbt/
14%
86%
LGBTQ+ Status
0%
100%
Yes No
BREAKOUT OF RESPONDENTS ANSWERING “YES”
n %
Gay 43 19%
Lesbian 37 16%
Queer 18 8%
Bisexual 98 43%
Transgender 28 12%
Gender Non-Conforming 7 3%
Other 23 10%
Survey Findings
31 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
FOSTER CARE SYSTEM
It has been estimated that one in five former foster youth experience homelessness within four years of
exiting the foster care system.4 In California, foster youth are eligible to receive services beyond age 18.
Transitional housing and supportive services for youth aged 18-24 are provided through programs often
referred to as Transitional Housing Placement-Plus (THP-+).
In 2019, 14% of respondents reported a history of foster care. Eighteen percent (18%) of youth under age
25 reported that aging out of the foster care system was the primary cause of their current
homelessness.
FIGURE 25. HISTORY OF FOSTER CARE
2019 n=1,657; 2017 n=1,190
4 Fernandes, A.L. (2007). Runaway and homeless youth: Demographics, programs, and emerging issues. Congressional
Research Services, January 2007. Retrieved from http://www.endhomelessness.org/content/general/detail/1451.
15%
14%
85%
81%
1%
4%
0%100%
2017
2019
Yes No Don't Know Refuse
Survey Findings
32 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
Homelessness and incarceration are often correlative. Individuals without stable housing are at greater
risk of criminal justice system involvement, particularly those with mental health issues, veterans, and
youth. Individuals with past incarceration face significant barriers to exiting homelessness due to
stigmatization and policies affecting their ability to gain employment and access housing opportunities.5
A recent study found that formerly incarcerated people were almost ten times more likely to experience
homelessness than the general public.6
Nine percent (9%) of respondents reported being on probation at the time of the survey; 3% reported
being on parole.
FIGURE 26. CRIMINAL JUSTICE INVOLVEMENT
2019 Probation n=1,611; Parole n=1,537
5 Greenberg, GA, Rosenheck, RA. (2008). Jail Incarceration, Homelessness, and Mental Health: A National Study.
Psychiatric Services, 2008 Feb;59(2): 170-7.
6 Couloute, L. (2018). Nowhere to Go: Homelessness among formerly incarcerated people. Prison Policy Initiative, August
2018.
9%3%
Currently on Probation Currently on Parole
2019
Survey Findings
33 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
SCHOOL ENROLLMENT
Communities across the country are becoming increasingly aware of the number of students in schools
and colleges experiencing homelessness. A recent study of community college students across the
nation showed roughly 14% were experiencing homelessness.7 Enrollment in school not only points to the
resiliency and drive of the people but also can help to identify institutions with the potential to provide
outreach and support to individuals experiencing homelessness in the community.
At the time of the survey, 5% of respondents were enrolled in some type of schooling. Surveys were only
conducted with heads of households; therefore, many school-age children are not represented in the
survey results.
FIGURE 27. SCHOOL ENROLLMENT
2017 2019
School Enrollment % n % n
Enrolled 8% 90 5% 87
Not Enrolled 92% 1,009 92% 1,523
Refuse - - 2% 41
2019 n=1,651; 2017 n=1,099
Note: Percentages may not add up to 100 due to rounding.
7 Wisconsin Hope Lab. (2017). Hungry and Homeless in College: Results from a National Study of Basic Needs Insecurity
in Higher Education. Retrieved from http://wihopelab.com/publications/hungry-and-homeless-in-college-report.pdf.
Survey Findings
34 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
HEALTH
The average life expectancy for individuals experiencing homelessness is up to 36 years shorter than the
general population.8 Without regular access to health care and without safe and stable housing,
individuals experience preventable illness and often endure longer hospitalizations. It is estimated that
those experiencing homelessness stay four days (or 36%) longer per hospital admission than patients not
experiencing homelessness.9
HEALTH CONDITIONS
The most frequently reported health condition among survey respondents was psychiatric or emotional
conditions (39%), followed by post-traumatic stress disorder (30%) and drug or alcohol abuse (30%).
Twenty-six percent (26%) reported chronic health problems, 24% reported a physical disability, 13%
reported a traumatic brain injury, and 5% reported living with an AIDS or an HIV-related condition.
Forty-two percent (42%) of respondents reported at least one of these conditions was disabling,
preventing them from maintaining work or housing. Twenty percent (20%) reported living with three or
more disabling conditions.
FIGURE 28. HEALTH CONDITIONS
2019 n=1,682; 2017 n=1,129
Note: Multiple response question, percentages will not add up to 100.
8 Koachanek, M.A., et al. (2017). Mortality in the United States, 2016. NCHS Data Brief, no. 293. Hyattsville, MD: National
Center for Health Statistics.
9 Sharon A. Salit, M. E. (1998). Hospitalization Costs Associated with Homelessness in New York City. New England
Journal of Medicine, 338, 1734-1740.
39%30%30%26%24%
13%5%
41%
29%26%
36%27%
10%5%
Psychiatric or
Emotional
Conditions
PTSD Drug or Alcohol
Abuse
Chronic Health
Problems
Physical
Disability
Traumatic Brain
Injury
AIDS/HIV
Related
2019 2017
Survey Findings
35 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
Prevalence of reported health conditions were relatively similar between unsheltered and sheltered survey
respondents, with the exception of drug and alcohol abuse and traumatic brain injury. The most
frequently reported conditions across both populations remained psychological or emotional conditions
and post-traumatic stress disorder.
FIGURE 29. HEALTH CONDITIONS BY SHELTER STATUS
Unsheltered n=1,224; Sheltered n=458
Note: Multiple response question, percentages will not add up to 100.
39%34%30%25%25%15%5%
40%
20%
33%30%22%
9%2%
Psychiatric or
Emotional
Conditions
Drug or Alcohol
Abuse
PTSD Chronic Health
Problems
Physical
Disability
Traumatic Brain
Injury
AIDS/HIV
Related
2019 Unsheltered 2019 Sheltered
Survey Findings
36 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
DOMESTIC/PARTNER VIOLENCE OR ABUSE
Histories of domestic violence and partner abuse are prevalent among individuals experiencing
homelessness and can be the primary cause of homelessness. Survivors often lack the financial
resources required for housing, as their employment history or dependable income may be limited.
Six percent (6%) of survey respondents reported currently experiencing domestic violence or abuse. There
was no difference observed between unsheltered and sheltered respondents (6% each). Domestic
violence did vary by gender, as 4% of male respondents reported current experience compared to 10% of
females. While there were very few transgender and gender non-conforming respondents, 8% and 3%
reported currently experiencing domestic violence, respectively.
Twenty-six percent (26%) of respondents reported a history of ever experiencing physical, emotional, or
sexual abuse by a relative or by a person with whom they have lived, such as a spouse, partner, sibling,
parent, or roommate. This also varied by gender, with 17% of male, 40% of female, 39% of transgender,
and 16% of gender non-conforming respondents experiencing domestic violence in their lifetime.
FIGURE 30. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Currently Experiencing Domestic Violence History of Domestic Violence Experience
or Abuse or Abuse
Current Experience2019 n= 1,599, 2017 n= 1,095; Lifetime experience 2019 n= 1,620, 2017 n= 1,074
FIGURE 31. HISTORY OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE EXPERIENCE BY GENDER
2019 Male n=941, Female n=609, Transgender n=26, Gender Non-Conforming n=38; Alameda 2017: Male n= 592, Female n=492;
Transgender n=11; Gender Non-Conforming n=2
6%
6%
94%
87%6%
0%100%
2017
2019
Yes No Refuse
17%
40%39%
16%15%
37%
55%50%
Male Female Transgender Gender Non-Conforming
2019 2017
25%
26%
75%
66%8%
0%100%
2017
2019
Yes No Refuse
Survey Findings
37 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
SERVICES AND ASSISTANCE
Alameda County provides services and assistance to those currently experiencing homelessness through
federal and local programs. Government assistance and homeless services work to enable individuals
and families to obtain income and support. However, many individuals and families do not apply for
services, as many believe that they are ineligible for assistance. Connecting homeless individuals and
families to these support services creates a bridge to mainstream support services and can prevent
future housing instability.
RECOMMENDED USES FOR SPENDING NEW MONEY TO END HOMELESSNESS
Survey respondents were asked to identify uses for funding to end homelessness in Alameda County if
new money became available. Over half (52%) of respondents identified affordable rental housing and
over one-third (38%) identified permanent help with rent. Employment training and job opportunities
(31%), 24/7 basic sanitation services (25%), behavioral health services (22%), and emergency shelter
(20%) were also among the top recommendations.
FIGURE 32. HOW ANY NEW FUNDING TO END HOMELESSNESS IN ALAMEDA COUNTY SHOULD BE
SPENT (TOP SIX RESPONSES)
2019 n=1,649 respondents providing 4,788 responses
Note: Multiple response question, percentages will not add up to 100.
52%
38%31%25%22%20%
Affordable Rental
Housing
Permanent Help
with Rent/
Subsidy
Employment
Training and Job
Opportunities
24/7 Basic
Sanitation
Substance Use
and/or Mental
Health Services
Emergency
Shelter
2019
Survey Findings
38 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
COORDINATED ENTRY
Coordinated entry is the front door of Alameda County’s Housing Crisis Response System that is
designed to problem-solve, assess, and match people to available resources and to ensure that
individuals with the highest needs are prioritized. When asked whether they had accessed coordinated
entry, less than half (45%) of respondents reported that they had been told to call 211, talked to an
outreach worker, or visited a Hub/Housing Resource Center to access housing or services. Seven percent
(7%) were unsure whether they had used coordinated entry.
FIGURE 33. COORDINATED ENTRY USE
2019 n=1,609
Note: Multiple response question, percentages will not add up to 100.
SHELTER SERVICES
Emergency shelters provide a safe, short-term alternative to the streets for people experiencing
homelessness by providing support for immediate, basic needs as well as linkages to other support
services and longer-term housing opportunities.
When asked what prevents them from using shelter services, survey respondents cited a number of
reasons. Twenty-eight percent (28%) said they do not use them because of bugs, 27% cited a lack of
privacy, 23% cited too many rules, and 22% each cited crowding and concerns for personal safety.
FIGURE 34. REASONS FOR NOT USING SHELTER SERVICES (TOP FIVE RESPONSES)
n=1,566 respondents offering 3,898 responses
Note: Multiple response question, percentages will not add up to 100.
45%43%
7%5%
Yes No Don't Know Refuse
2019
28%27%23%22%22%
Bugs Lack of Privacy There Are Too Many
Rules
Concerns for
Personal Safety
They Are Too
Crowded
2019
Survey Findings
39 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
INTEREST IN HOUSING
While it is often believed that people experiencing homelessness do not want housing and choose to live
on the street, just 3% of respondents reported they were not interested in housing. The majority were
interested in independent affordable housing (55%); however other respondents wanted housing with
support services (15%), clean and sober housing (13%), and assisted living with 24-hour care (4%).
FIGURE 35. TYPES OF HOUSING WANTED
2019 n=1,635; 2017 n=1,169
Note: Percentages may not add up to 100 due to rounding.
0%
2%
3%
3%
16%
72%
7%
3%
4%
4%
13%
15%
55%
Refuse
Not Interested in Housing
Now
Other Housing
Assisted Living (24-Hour Care)
Clean and Sober Housing
Housing with Support Services
Independent, Affordable
Rental Housing
2019 2017
Subpopulations
40 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
Subpopulations
Home, Together: The Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness outlines national objectives
and evaluative measures for ending homelessness among all populations in the United States.
In order to adequately address the diversity within the population experiencing homelessness, the federal
government identifies four subpopulations with particular challenges or needs, including:
Families with children;
Unaccompanied children and transition-age youth;
Persons experiencing chronic homelessness; and
Veterans
Consequently, these subpopulations represent important reportable indicators for measuring local
progress toward ending homelessness.
The following sections examine each of these four subpopulations, identifying the number and
characteristics of individuals included in the EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey.
Additional details on the number and characteristics of single individuals 25 years and older are also
presented in this section, as it is the largest population of persons experiencing homelessness in
Alameda County.
Of the 1,681 surveys completed in 2019, the results represent 1,112 single unsheltered adults 25 years
and older, 115 individuals in homeless families, 124 unaccompanied children and transition-age youth,
377 chronically homeless individuals and 157 homeless veterans. Surveys were completed in unsheltered
environments, emergency shelters, and transitional housing settings.
Subpopulations
41 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
SINGLE ADULTS 25 YEARS AND OLDER
The largest number of people experiencing homelessness are adults over the age of 24 in households
without children. This population is often referred to as single adults age 25 years and older, though it
may include married or non-married couples and multi-adults households. It is often assumed that this
population has high medical and mental health needs, yet data suggests that most of this population
does not.10
NUMBER OF SINGLE ADULTS 25 YEARS AND OLDER
In 2019, single adults age 25 years and older comprised 84% of the population experiencing
homelessness in Alameda County (6,751 individuals). Unsheltered single adults 25 years and older
represented 90% of the total unsheltered population (5,697 individuals).
FIGURE 36. SHELTER STATUS OF SINGLE ADULTS 25 YEARS AND OLDER EXPERIENCNG
HOMELESSNESS
n=6,751
10 NAEH. (July 2016). End Single Adult Homelessness, Retrieved 2017 from http://www.endhomelessness.org/page/-
/files/End%20Single%20Homelessness_Final.pdf
84%16%
0%100%
2019
Unsheltered Sheltered
Subpopulations
42 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
LENGTH OF HOMELESSNESS AMONG SINGLE ADULTS 25 YEARS AND OLDER
Rate of first-time homelessness were similar between unsheltered and sheltered single adults age 25 and
older, 31% compared to 33%.
Over half (56%) of unsheltered single adults age 25 and older reported experiencing homelessness for
more than one year, compared to 47% of sheltered single adults.
FIGURE 37. LENGTH OF CURRENT EPISODE OF HOMELESSNESS AMONG SINGLE ADULTS 25
YEARS AND OLDER
Unsheltered Single Adults 25+ n= 1,101, Sheltered Single Adults 25+ n=327
Note: Percentages may not add up to 100 due to rounding.
PRIOR LIVING SITUATION OF SINGLE ADULTS 25 YEARS AND OLDER
Unsheltered single adults age 25 and older most frequently reported staying in a home owned or rented
by friends or relatives; sheltered single adults age 25 and older most often reported staying in a home
owned or rented by themselves or their partner prior to experiencing homelessness.
FIGURE 38. LIVING ARRANGEMENTS IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO BECOMING HOMELESS AMONG
SINGLE ADULTS 25 YEARS AND OLDER (TOP FIVE RESPONSES)
Unsheltered Single Adults 25+ n= 1,088, Sheltered Single Adults 25+ n=326
2%3%3%9%9%11%
56%
8%1%2%7%12%11%9%
47%
11%
7 days or
less
8-30 days 1-3 months 4-6 months 7-11 months 1 year More than 1
year
Refuse
Unsheltered Single Adults 25+Sheltered Single Adults 25+
33%26%
8%7%7%
27%32%
9%2%5%
With
Friends/Relatives
A Home Owned or
Rented by You or
Your Partner
Motel/Hotel Subsidized Housing
or PSH
Jail/Prison
Unsheltered Single Adults 25+Sheltered Single Adults 25+
Subpopulations
43 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
PRIMARY CAUSE OF HOMELESSNESS AND PREVENTIVE SERVICES NEEDED AMONG SINGLE
ADULTS 25 YEARS AND OLDER
The most frequently reported cause of homelessness was job loss, by 15% of unsheltered single adults
25 and older and 12% of sheltered single adults 25 and older. Fourteen percent (14%) of unsheltered and
11% of sheltered single adults 25 years or older reported mental health issues as the primary cause of
their homelessness. Twelve percent (12%) of unsheltered and 7% of sheltered single adults 25 years or
older cited substance use issues as the primary cause.
FIGURE 39. PRIMARY CAUSE OF HOMELESSNESS AMONG SINGLE ADULTS 25 YEARS AND OLDER
(TOP FIVE RESPONSES)
Unsheltered Single Adults 25+ n= 1,096, Sheltered Single Adults 25+ n=325
Note: Multiple response question, percentages will not add up to 100.
Nearly one-third (32%) of both unsheltered and sheltered single adults 25 years and older most frequently
reported that rental assistance would have helped to prevent their housing loss. Unsheltered and
sheltered single adults 25 years and older reported needing similar types of support overall.
FIGURE 40. SUPPORT NEEDED TO PREVENT HOUSING LOSS AMONG SINGLE ADULTS 25 YEARS
AND OLDER (TOP FIVE RESPONSES)
Unsheltered Single Adults 25+ n= 1,098 offering 2,449 responses, Sheltered Single Adults 25+ n=325 offering 730 responses
Note: Multiple response question, percentages will not add up to 100.
15%14%12%10%10%12%11%7%7%7%
Job Loss Mental Health
Issues
Substance Use
Issues
Eviction/Foreclosure Rent Increase
Unsheltered Single Adults 25+Sheltered Single Adults 25+
32%31%22%20%19%
32%29%24%25%
14%
Rent Assistance Benefits/Income Employment
Assistance
Mental Health
Services
Alcohol/Drug
Counseling
Unsheltered Single Adults 25+Sheltered Single Adults 25+
Subpopulations
44 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
HEALTH CONDITIONS AMONG SINGLE ADULTS 25 YEARS AND OLDER
Overall, unsheltered and sheltered single adults 25 years and older reported similar rates of living with
various health conditions (62% and 59%, respectively). Unsheltered single adults 25 years and older most
often reported psychiatric or emotional problems (40%), drug or alcohol abuse (37%), PTSD (30%), and
physical disability (26%). Sheltered single adults 25 years and older most often reported psychiatric or
emotional conditions (39%), chronic health problems (34%), PTSD (30%), and physical disability (28%).
FIGURE 41. HEALTH CONDITIONS AMONG SINGLE ADULTS 25 YEARS AND OLDER
Unsheltered Single Adults 25+ n= 1,112, Sheltered Single Adults 25+ n=330
Note: Multiple response question, percentages will not add up to 100.
HOUSING INTEREST AMONG SINGLE ADULTS 25 YEARS AND OLDER
The percentage of unsheltered single adults 25 years and older who reported they were not currently
interested in housing was 4%, compared to 1% of sheltered single adults 25 years and older. The majority
of both unsheltered and sheltered single adults 25 years and older reported interest in independent
affordable rental housing.
FIGURE 42. TYPES OF HOUSING WANTED AMONG SINGLE ADULTS 25 YEARS AND OLDER
Unsheltered Single Adults 25+ n= 1,080, Sheltered Single Adults 25+ n=323
Note: Multiple response question, percentages will not add up to 100.
Note: 3% of the population reported they were interested in another type of housing, not listed in closed ended response options.
40%37%30%26%25%15%6%
39%
23%30%28%34%
11%3%
Psychiatric or
Emotional
Conditions
Drug or
Alcohol Abuse
PTSD Physical
Disability
Chronic Health
Problems
Traumatic
Brain Injury
AIDS/HIV
Related
Unsheltered Single Adults 25+Sheltered Single Adults 25+
52%
16%15%
4%4%4%5%
63%
8%11%4%1%2%11%
Independent,
Affordable
Rental Housing
Housing with
Support
Services
Clean and
Sober
Housing
Assisted Living
(24-Hour Care)
Not Interested
in Housing
Now
Other Refuse
Unsheltered Single Adults 25+Sheltered Single Adults 25+
Subpopulations
45 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN
National data from 2017 indicate that 33% of all people experiencing homelessness are persons in
families.11 Very few families experiencing homelessness are unsheltered, as public shelters serve 90% of
families experiencing homelessness in the United States; this is a significantly higher proportion of the
population compared with other subpopulations, including unaccompanied children and transition-age
youth.
Nationally, the majority of families experiencing homelessness are households headed by single women
and families with children under the age of six.12 Children in families experiencing homelessness have
increased incidence of illness and are more likely to have emotional and behavioral problems than
children with stable living accommodations.13
HOMELESS FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN
There were 170 families consisting of 524 individuals counted in 2019. The number of people in families
with children represented 7% of the county’s overall homeless population. Children under 18 represented
57% of those in families.
FIGURE 43. SHELTER STATUS OF FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS
n=524
11 U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2017). The 2017 Annual Assessment Report (AHAR) to
Congress. Retrieved 2018 from https://www.hudexchange.info/resources/documents/2017-AHAR-Part-1.pdf
12 U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2007). Characteristics and Dynamics of Homeless Families with
Children. Retrieved 2015 from http://aspe.hhs.gov/
13 U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. (2015). Opening Doors. Retrieved 2015 from http://www.usich.gov/
5%95%
0%100%
2019
Unsheltered Sheltered
Subpopulations
46 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
PRIMARY CAUSE OF HOMELESSNESS AMONG HOMELESS FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN
The most frequently reported cause of homelessness among individuals in families with children was
family or domestic violence (26%). Eleven percent (11%) reported eviction or foreclosure, 9% reported
friends or family could not afford to let them stay with them, 9% reported aging out of foster care, and 8%
reported a rent increase as the primary cause of their homelessness.
FIGURE 44. PRIMARY CAUSE OF HOMELESSNESS AMONG FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN
Families with Children n=113, Overall Homeless Population n=1,655
Note: Multiple response question, percentages will not add up to 100.
HEALTH CONDITIONS AMONG HOMELESS FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN
Forty percent (40%) of family respondents reported experiencing psychiatric or emotional conditions.
Thirty-six percent (36%) reported PTSD, 23% reported chronic health problems, 15% reported physical
disability, 10% reported drug or alcohol abuse, 7% reported a traumatic brain injury, and 2% reported living
with an AIDS or an HIV related condition. Compared to all respondents, families with children reported
higher rates of PTSD and notably lower rates of drug or alcohol abuse and physical disabilities. It is
important to recognize that all data are self-reported.
FIGURE 45. HEALTH CONDITIONS AMONG FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN
Families with Children n=115, Overall Homeless Population n= 1,682
Note: Multiple response question, percentages will not add up to 100.
26%
11%9%9%8%6%9%7%3%9%
Family/Domestic
Violence
Eviction/
Foreclosure
Family or Friends
Couldn't Afford to
Let Me Stay
Aging Out of Foster
Care
Rent Increase
Families with Children Overall Homeless Population
40%36%23%15%10%7%2%
39%30%26%24%30%
13%5%
Psychiatric
or Emotional
Conditions
PTSD Chronic
Health
Problems
Physical
Disability
Drug or
Alcohol Abuse
Traumatic
Brain Injury
AIDS/HIV
Related
Families with Children Overall Homeless Population
Subpopulations
47 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN AND TRANSITION-AGE YOUTH
Due to the nature of youth homelessness, limited data are available on unaccompanied children and
transition-age youth experiencing homelessness. Young people experiencing homelessness have a
harder time accessing services, including shelter, medical care, and employment. This is due to the
stigma of their housing situation, lack of knowledge of available resources, and a dearth of services
targeted to young people.14
Although largely considered an undercount, nationwide estimates from 2017 suggest there are at least
40,799 unaccompanied children and transition-age youth on the streets and in public shelters, an increase
of 14% over 2016.15 This increase may be due, in part, to the focus on unaccompanied youth during the
2017 Point-in-Time Count, which served as a nationwide baseline year.
In 2012, the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness amended the federal strategic plan to end
homelessness to include specific strategies and supports to address the needs of unaccompanied
homeless children and transition-age youth. As part of this effort, the U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development placed increased focus on gathering data on unaccompanied homeless children and
transition-age youth during the Point-in-Time Count.
14 National Coalition for the Homeless. (2011). Homeless Youth Fact Sheet. Retrieved 2011 from
http://www.nationalhomeless.org.
15 U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2017). The 2017 Annual Assessment Report (AHAR) to
Congress. Retrieved 2018 from https://www.hudexchange.info/resources/documents/2017-AHAR-Part-1.pdf
Subpopulations
48 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN AND TRANSITION-AGE YOUTH
Transition-age youth, young people between the ages of 18 and 24 years old, represented 9% of the
overall population experiencing homelessness in Alameda County (702 individuals). Unaccompanied
children, under age 18, represented less than 1% of the population (29 individuals).
FIGURE 46. SHELTER STATUS OF UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN AND TRANSITION-AGE YOUTH
EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS
Unaccompanied Children n=29; Transition-Age Youth n=29
31%69%
0%100%
Unsheltered Sheltered
82%18%
0%100%
Unsheltered Sheltered
Transition-
Age Youth
Unaccompanied
Children
Subpopulations
49 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
PRIMARY CAUSE OF HOMELESSNESS AMONG UNACCOMPANIED HOMELESS CHILDREN AND
TRANSITION-AGE YOUTH
An argument with a family, friend, or roommate was the most frequently cited cause of homelessness
among unsheltered unaccompanied youth (14%), compared to aging out of foster care among sheltered
youth (29%). Unsheltered youth also more frequently attributed their homelessness to a family member or
friend who could not afford to let them stay with them (12% compared to 2%).
FIGURE 47. PRIMARY CAUSE OF HOMELESSNESS AMONG UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN AND
TRANSITION-AGE YOUTH
Unsheltered Unaccompanied Children and Transition-Age Youth Survey Population n=69; Sheltered Unaccompanied Children and
Transition-Age Youth Survey Population n=51
Note: Multiple response question, percentages will not add up to 100.
14%13%12%10%9%8%4%2%12%
29%
Argument with
Family/Friend/
Roommate
Other Money
Issues
Family or Friends
Couldn't Afford to
Let Me Stay
Don't Know Aging Out of
Foster Care
Unsheltered Unaccompanied Children and Transition-Age Youth
Sheltered Unaccompanied Children and Transition-Age Youth
Subpopulations
50 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
HEALTH CONDITIONS AMONG UNACCOMPANIED HOMELESS CHILDREN AND TRANSITION-
AGE YOUTH
Though generally healthier than the adult homeless population, health is still an issue for young people
experiencing homelessness. Forty-three percent (43%) of sheltered youth reported living with psychiatric
or emotional conditions compared to 22% of unsheltered youth; 43% of sheltered youth reported PTSD as
compared to 23% of unsheltered youth.
FIGURE 48. HEALTH CONDITIONS AMONG UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN AND TRANSITION-AGE
YOUTH
Unsheltered Unaccompanied Children and Transition-Age Youth Survey Population n=73, Sheltered Unaccompanied Children and
Transition-Age Youth Survey Population n=51
Note: Multiple response question, percentages will not add up to 100.
23%23%22%15%12%10%3%
43%43%43%
20%
4%12%2%
PTSD Traumatic
Brain Injury
Psychiatric or
Emotional
Conditions
Chronic Health
Problems
Physical
Disability
Drug or
Alcohol Use
AIDS/HIV
Related
Unsheltered Unaccompanied Children and Transition-Age Youth
Sheltered Unaccompanied Children and Transition-Age Youth
Subpopulations
51 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
SEXUAL ORIENTATION AMONG UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN AND TRANSITION-AGE YOUTH
LGBTQ+ youth remain overrepresented in the population experiencing homelessness; an estimated 40%
of youth experiencing homelessness identify as LGBTQ+.16 Overall, 28% of unaccompanied children and
transition-age youth identified as LGBTQ+ compared to 12% of adults age 25 and older. Nineteen percent
(19%) of unsheltered unaccompanied children and transition-age youth identified as LGBTQ+, compared
to 41% of sheltered youth.
FIGURE 49. LGBTQ+ STATUS AMONG UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN AND TRANSITION-AGE YOUTH
Unsheltered Youth Sheltered Youth
2019 Unsheltered n=73, Sheltered n=51; 2017 Unsheltered n=88, Sheltered n=58
16 True Colors Fund. (2017). Our Issue. Retrieved 2017 from https://truecolorsfund.org/our-issue/
25%
19%
75%
81%
0%100%
2017
2019
Yes No
22%
41%
78%
59%
0%100%
2017
2019
Yes No
Subpopulations
52 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
FOSTER CARE AMONG UNACCOMPANIED HOMELESS CHILDREN AND TRANSITION-AGE
YOUTH
Twenty-two percent (22%) of unsheltered unaccompanied children and transition-age youth reported a
history of foster care, compared to 59% of sheltered youth.
FIGURE 50. HISTORY OF FOSTER CARE AMONG UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN AND TRANSITION-
AGE YOUTH
Unsheltered Youth Sheltered Youth
2019 Unsheltered Unaccompanied Children and Transition-Age Youth Survey Population n=73, Sheltered Unaccompanied
Children and Transition-Age Youth Survey Population n=51; 2017 Unsheltered Unaccompanied Children and Transition-Age Youth
Survey Population n=84, Sheltered Unaccompanied Children and Transition-Age Youth Survey Population n=53
26%
22%
74%
77%
1%
0%100%
2017
2019
Yes No Don't Know Refuse
45%
59%
53%
39%
2%
2%
0%100%
2017
2019
Yes No Don't Know Refuse
Subpopulations
53 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS
HUD defines a person experiencing chronic homelessness as someone who has experienced
homelessness for a year or longer—or who has experienced at least four episodes of homelessness
totaling 12 months in the last three years—and also has a disabling condition that prevents them from
maintaining work or housing. This definition applies to individuals as well as heads of household who
meet the definition.
The chronically homeless population represents one of the most vulnerable populations on the street; the
mortality rate for those experiencing chronic homelessness is four to nine times higher than that of the
general population.17 Data from communities across the country reveal that public costs incurred by
those experiencing extended periods of homelessness include emergency room visits, interactions with
law enforcement, incarceration, and regular access to social supports and homeless services. These
combined costs are often significantly higher than the cost of providing individuals with permanent
housing and supportive services.
In 2017, HUD reported that 86,962 individuals, representing 24% of the overall homeless population, were
experiencing chronic homelessness nationally.18 Chronic homelessness has been on the decline in recent
years as communities across the country increase the capacity of their permanent supportive housing
programs and prioritize those with the greatest barriers to housing stability.
NUMBER OF PERSONS EXPERIENCING CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS
In total, 2,236 individuals were experiencing chronic homelessness in Alameda County in 2019. Of those,
2,103 were single individuals and 61 were heads of households with children under 18 years of age in
Alameda County.
FIGURE 51. SHELTER STATUS OF PERSONS EXPERIENCING CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS
n=2,236
17 United States Interagency Council on Homelessness. (2010). Supplemental Document to the Federal Strategic Plan to
Prevent and End Homelessness: June 2010. Retrieved 2017 from
https://www.usich.gov/resources/uploads/asset_library/BkgrdPap_ChronicHomelessness.pdf
18 Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2017). Annual Assessment Report to Congress. Retrieved 2018 from
https://www.hudexchange.info/resources/documents/2017-AHAR-Part-1.pdf
72%28%
0%100%
2019
Unsheltered Sheltered
Subpopulations
54 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
SINGLE INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS
An estimated 2,103 single individuals were experiencing chronic homelessness in 2019. This constitutes
a 26% increase over the number of single individuals experiencing chronic homelessness in 2017.
Seventy-seven percent (77%) of individuals experiencing chronic homelessness in 2019 were unsheltered,
while 23% were residing in emergency shelter and safe haven programs.
In 2019, single individuals experiencing chronic homelessness represented 26% of the overall population
experiencing homelessness in Alameda County.
FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN EXPERIENCING CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS
In 2019, 61 families were experiencing chronic homelessness, including 61 heads of household and 72
family members for a total of 133 people. The majority (98%) were identified in emergency shelters.
Thirty-six percent (36%) of family households were experiencing chronic homelessness in 2019,
compared to 12% in 2017.
PRIMARY CAUSE OF HOMELESSNESS AMONG THOSE EXPERIENCING CHRONIC
HOMELESSNESS
Nearly half of both unsheltered and sheltered survey respondents experiencing chronic homelessness
identified money issues as the primary cause of their homelessness (49% and 47% respectively).
Sheltered respondents experiencing chronic homelessness were more likely to report a physical health
issue as the primary cause of their homelessness than unsheltered respondents experiencing chronic
homelessness; unsheltered respondents experiencing chronic homelessness were slightly more likely to
report substance use or mental health.
While chronically homeless respondents reported some differences in the initial cause of their
homelessness compared to non-chronic respondents, they reported encountering similar barriers to
permanent housing.
FIGURE 52. PRIMARY CAUSE OF HOMELESSNESS AMONG CHRONICALLY HOMELESS PERSONS
Unsheltered Chronic n=332 respondents offering 441 responses, Sheltered Chronic n=131 respondents offering 174 responses
Note: Multiple response question, percentages will not add up to 100.
49%
19%17%15%15%
47%
17%15%19%16%
Money Issues Substance
Use Issues
Mental
Health Issues
Physical
Health Issues
Personal
Relationship Issues
Unsheltered Chronically Homeless Sheltered Chronically Homeless
Subpopulations
55 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
HEALTH CONDITIONS AMONG PERSONS EXPERIENCING CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS
The definition of chronic homelessness requires a condition that prevents an individual from maintaining
work or housing. The definition requires that only one be limiting, however, many survey respondents
experiencing chronic homelessness reported experiencing multiple physical or mental health conditions.
The following data report all conditions regardless of severity. It is important to recognize that all survey
data are self-reported and influenced by participant's self-awareness and knowledge of a diagnosis.
Seventy-one percent (71%) of both unsheltered and sheltered survey respondents experiencing chronic
homelessness reported living with psychiatric or emotional conditions. Sixty-nine percent (69%) of
sheltered respondents experiencing chronic homelessness reported a chronic health problem or medical
condition, compared to 42% of unsheltered respondents experiencing chronic homelessness. Sixty-four
percent (64%) of unsheltered and 42% of sheltered respondents experiencing chronic homelessness
reported drug or alcohol use, and 47% and 61% (unsheltered and sheltered, respectively) reported living
with PTSD.
FIGURE 53. HEALTH CONDITIONS AMONG CHRONICALLY HOMELESS PERSONS
Unsheltered Chronic n=315, Sheltered Chronic n=62
Note: Multiple response question, percentages will not add up to 100.
In general, higher rates of health conditions were reported for those who were experiencing chronic
homelessness when compared to their non-chronically homeless counterparts. For example, 48% of
individuals experiencing chronic homelessness reported having a physical disability compared to 18% of
non-chronically homeless individuals.
71%64%
48%47%42%
25%
7%
71%
42%48%
61%69%
24%
2%
Psychiatric
or Emotional
Conditions
Drug or
Alcohol Use
Physical
Disability
PTSD Chronic
Health
Problems
Traumatic
Brain Injury
AIDS/HIV
Related
Unsheltered Chronically Homeless Sheltered Chronically Homeless
Subpopulations
56 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
VETERANS
Many U.S. veterans experience conditions that place them at increased risk for homelessness, including
higher rates of PTSD, traumatic brain injury, sexual assault, and substance abuse. Veterans experiencing
homelessness are more likely to be unsheltered, and often remain unsheltered for extended periods of
time.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a broad range of benefits and services to veterans
of the U.S. Armed Forces. These benefits can involve different forms of financial assistance, including
monthly cash payments to disabled veterans, health care, education, and housing benefits. In addition to
these supports, the VA and HUD partner to provide additional housing and support services to veterans
currently experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness.
According to data collected nationally during the 2017 Point-in-Time Count, 40,056 veterans experienced
homelessness on a single night in January.19
HOMELESS VETERANS
In total, 692 veterans were experiencing homelessness in 2019. Of those, 690 were single individuals and
the remaining two were in families with children. Seventy-nine percent (79%) of veterans were unsheltered
in 2019. In 2019, veterans represented 9% of the adult population, similar to 2017 (10%).
FIGURE 54. SHELTER STATUS OF VETERANS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS
n=692
19 HUD. (2017). Annual Assessment Report to Congress. Retrieved from
https://www.hudexchange.info/resources/documents/2014-AHAR-Part1.pdf.
79%21%
0%100%
2019
Unsheltered Sheltered
Subpopulations
57 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
PRIMARY CAUSE OF HOMELESSNESS AMONG VETERANS
Unsheltered veterans most frequently cited mental health issues as the primary cause of their
homelessness (18%), while sheltered veterans most frequently cited a rent increase (13%). Unsheltered
veterans attributed their homelessness to job loss at nearly twice the rate as sheltered veterans (15% and
8% respectively). Ten percent (10%) of unsheltered veterans and 8% of sheltered veterans reported their
homelessness was the result of eviction or foreclosure.
FIGURE 55. PRIMARY CAUSE OF HOMELESSNESS AMONG VETERANS
Unsheltered Veterans Survey Population n=108 respondents, Sheltered Veterans Survey Population n=48 respondents
Note: Multiple response question, percentages will not add up to 100.
HEALTH CONDITIONS AMONG VETERANS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS
A slightly higher percentage of sheltered veteran respondents reported having one or more health
conditions, 79% compared to 73% of unsheltered veterans. Sheltered veterans reported higher rates of
psychiatric or emotional conditions compared to unsheltered veterans (63% and 50% respectively).
FIGURE 56. HEALTH CONDITIONS AMONG VETERANS
Unsheltered Veterans n=109, Sheltered Veterans n=48
Note: Multiple response question, percentages will not add up to 100.
18%15%13%10%7%6%8%13%8%13%
Mental Health
Issues
Job Loss Rent Increase Eviction/Foreclosure Don't Know
Unsheltered Veterans Sheltered Veterans
50%43%43%39%36%
20%
6%
63%
42%
21%31%
15%10%0%
Psychiatric or
Emotional
Conditions
Physical
Disability
PTSD Chronic Health
Problems
Drug or
Alcohol Use
Traumatic
Brain Injury
AIDS/HIV
Related
Unsheltered Veterans Sheltered Veterans
Appendix A: Methodology
58 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
Appendix A: Methodology
OVERVIEW
The purpose of the EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey was to produce a point-in-time
estimate of people experiencing homelessness in Alameda County, a region which covers approximately
738 square miles. The results of the street and youth counts were combined with the results from the
sheltered count to produce the total estimated number of persons experiencing homelessness in
Alameda County on a given night according to the HUD definition of homelessness for the Point-in-Time
Count. The subsequent, in-depth qualitative survey was used to gain a more comprehensive
understanding of the experiences and demographics of those enumerated. A more detailed description of
the methodology follows.
COMPONENTS OF THE POINT-IN-TIME COUNT METHOD
The Point-in-Time Count methodology used in 2019 had four primary components:
i. General street count: an observation-based enumeration of unsheltered individuals
between the hours of approximately 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.;
ii. Youth count: a targeted enumeration of unsheltered youth under the age of 25
between the hours of approximately 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.;
iii. Sheltered count: an enumeration of individuals residing in emergency shelter, safe
haven, and transitional housing facilities on the night before the street count; and
iv. Survey: an in-person survey of a randomized sample of unsheltered and sheltered
individuals conducted by trained peer surveyors and program staff in the weeks
following the general street count.
The Planning Process
To ensure the success and integrity of the count, many county and city departments and community-
based agencies collaborated on community outreach, volunteer and guide recruitment, logistical plans,
methodological decisions, interagency coordination efforts, and the inclusion of non-traditional programs
such as Community Cabins and safe parking programs. ASR provided technical assistance for these
aspects of the planning process while EveryOne Home convened stakeholders, provided project
management support for implementing the methodology, and facilitated the training of volunteers and
guides. This planning began in October of 2018.
Community Involvement
Local homeless and housing service providers, advocates, and people experiencing homelessness were
valued partners in the planning and implementation of the count. Thanks to local efforts, the count
included enumerators with a diverse range of knowledge, including expertise on areas frequented by
persons experiencing homelessness, persons living in vehicles, and persons residing in encampments.
Community partners were also key in recruiting individuals with lived experience of homelessness to
participate in the street count and survey efforts. In 2019, a temporary position of Guide Recruitment
Appendix A: Methodology
59 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
Lead was added. This position was key to increasing guide recruitment by 60% over 2017, and in the
hiring and training of 164 guides with lived experience of homelessness for the general street count.
STREET COUNT METHODOLOGY
Goal
The goal of the general street count was to obtain an accurate count of persons sleeping outdoors and in
vehicles, tents, or other places not meant of human habitation throughout Alameda County.
Definition
For the purposes of this study, the HUD definition of unsheltered homeless persons was used, as required
for the federal Point-in-Time Count:
An individual or family with a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not
designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings, including
a car, park, abandoned building, bus or train station, airport, or camping ground.
Research Design
The methodology used for the EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey is commonly described
as a “blitz count” since it is conducted by a large team of people over a very short period of time. For the
general street count, every census tract in the county was canvassed in an observation-based count of
individuals and families who appeared to be experiencing homeless.
In order to minimize potential duplicate counting, the timing of the general street count was coordinated
to take place before most shelters released persons who slept there the previous night. General street
count teams were also instructed to prioritize covering areas immediately surrounding any shelters in
their assigned count location to eliminate any potential double-counting of individuals. The majority of
general street count activities took place between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., with teams in urban areas
encouraged to complete their routes by 8:00 a.m. due to the higher density and mobility of the population
experiencing homelessness in these areas.
Street count teams were generally comprised of at least one guide with lived experience of homelessness
and up to three community volunteers. Guides assisted the team in navigating their assigned count area,
identifying locations where unsheltered individuals were likely to be encountered while providing
additional support in identifying people experiencing homelessness for inclusion in the tally. Volunteers
assisted with transporting the team through their count area and performing the tally. Guides were
compensated $15 per hour for their time spent in the field on the day of the count and an additional $15
for attending an in-person training session in advance of count day.
Census tracts served as the method of organizing the general street count; their boundaries are based on
population density and determined by the federal government. Depending on the size and density of the
census tracts, each team was assigned up to three contiguous census tract maps. Teams were
instructed to canvas all accessible streets, roads, and highways within the boundaries of their assigned
census tracts by foot, car, or a combination of both. Teams were asked to cover the entirety of their count
assignment during the established hours of the street count, and to communicate with deployment center
staff if they required additional assistance or time.
All street count teams were equipped with their assigned census tract map areas, tally sheets, training
guidelines, deployment center staff contact information, and other supplies by ASR staff. ASR staff also
verified that at least one person on each team had a cell phone available for use during the count and
recorded their contact information on a volunteer deployment log.
Appendix A: Methodology
60 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
In performing the tally, teams were instructed not to initiate direct contact with, or to otherwise disturb,
people experiencing homelessness who were observed during the count. Leveraging the expertise of their
guide and other team members, count volunteers were instructed to only observe and record basic
demographic and location information.
Upon completion of their count assignment, teams returned to the deployment center to submit their tally
sheets and maps and to debrief with deployment center staff. ASR staff reviewed all maps to verify that
every accessible road and area within the map assignment had been covered, as well as all tally sheets to
ensure information was recorded accurately.
Methodological Improvements
The 2019 street count methodology followed the established, HUD-approved methodology implemented
in the 2017 count, with some key improvements.
To improve the local accuracy of the multiplier used to estimate the number of persons residing in tents
and vehicles, a pre-count survey (Multiplier for Persons in Vehicles and Tents) was implemented
countywide in December 2018. While general street count teams are typically able to observe a vehicle or
structure that is being inhabited, they are not always able to accurately determine the number of persons
residing in these locations through pure observation. Prior to the count, local outreach teams conducted a
tally of persons residing in three different vehicle types (cars, vans, and RVs) as well as tents and
improvised structures. The average household sizes of people identified residing in each of these
location types during the pre-count survey were subsequently applied to tallies where the number of
persons was unknown. In 2017, this multiplier was determined by survey responses only, which often
resulted in a small sample of respondents, particularly among those residing in vehicles.
Additionally, gender for the unsheltered population was estimated using self-reported information from
the survey in order to increase accuracy. In 2017, gender totals for the unsheltered population were
determined using observation data collected from the general street count tally. In 2019, observational
gender data from the tally sheet were used for deduplication purposes only.
Volunteer and Guide Recruitment and Training
Many individuals who live and/or work in Alameda County supported the county’s effort to enumerate the
local homeless population as volunteers. On the morning of January 30, 2019, nearly 500 volunteers and
service providers participated in the general street count. An additional 164 individuals who were
currently or had recently experienced homelessness served as guides to street count teams.
Extensive outreach efforts were conducted by EveryOne Home, including outreach to local non-profits
serving people experiencing homelessness, local volunteer programs, and jurisdictional partners. Local
shelters and service providers recruited and recommended the most knowledgeable and reliable
individuals to participate in the count as guides. Additionally, the hiring of a Guide Recruitment Lead
resulted in the increased participation, coordination, and training of guides throughout Alameda County.
Volunteer recruitment goals were reached in December 2018.
In order to participate in the count, all volunteers and guides were requested to attend an hour-long
training before the count. In addition to sharing a YouTube training for volunteers via email, in-person
trainings were held and conducted by EveryOne Home in multiple locations throughout the county.
Training covered all aspects of the count, including the definition of homelessness, how to identify
individuals experiencing homelessness, potential locations where individuals experiencing homelessness
may be located, how to safely and respectfully conduct the count, how to use the tally count sheets to
accurately record observations, how to use the census tract maps to ensure the entirety of the assigned
area was covered, and other tips to help ensure an accurate count.
Appendix A: Methodology
61 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
On the morning of the count, all volunteers and guides received a brief refresher training conducted by
ASR staff prior to forming teams and receiving their count assignment. The refresher training reiterated
the instructions for navigating the census tract maps and recording observations on the tally sheet as
well as essential safety protocols.
RECRUITING GOAL ACTUAL TURNOUT
Deployment Site # Census Tracts # Guides # Volunteers # Guides # Volunteers
Oakland 78 55 138 55 151
East Oakland 65 33 81 17 57
Total Oakland 143 88 219 72 208
North County 39 25 63 25 52
Mid County 70 34 85 30 104
East County 42 18 44 17 50
South County 66 29 73 20 75
Total 360 194 484 164 489
Safety Precautions
Every effort was made to minimize potentially hazardous situations. In census tracts with a high
concentration of homeless encampments or with access restrictions, specialized outreach teams with
knowledge of these specific areas were identified and assigned to these locations. Enumeration teams
were advised to take every safety precaution possible, including bringing flashlights and maintaining a
respectful distance from those they were counting.
Street Count Deployment Centers
To achieve complete coverage of the county within the early morning timeframe, the planning team
identified six areas for the placement of dispatch centers on the morning of the count: Berkeley (North
County), Downtown Oakland, East Oakland, Hayward (Mid-County), Livermore (East County), and Fremont
(South County). Deployment centers were supported by staff from ASR and EveryOne Home, who were
responsible for greeting volunteers and guides; facilitating the refresher training and deployment process;
distributing count instructions, maps, and supplies to enumeration teams; and collecting and reviewing
data from returning teams.
Volunteers selected their preferred deployment center at the time of registration based on their familiarity
with the area or their convenience. The planning team determined the enumeration routes and assigned
them to the deployment center closest or most central to the coverage area to facilitate the timely
deployment of enumeration teams into the field.
YOUTH COUNT METHODOLOGY
Goal
The goal of the dedicated youth count was to improve the representation of unaccompanied children and
transition-age youth under the age of 25 experiencing homelessness during the 2019 Point-in-Time
Count. Many unaccompanied children and transition-age youth experiencing homelessness do not use
existing homeless services and often stay in locations that are difficult to find or are separate from the
unsheltered adult population. In addition, youth experiencing homelessness are generally difficult for
adult street count volunteer to identify using observational methods, as young people frequently “hide in
plain sight.” Therefore, traditional street count efforts are not as effective in reaching and counting youth.
Appendix A: Methodology
62 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
Definition
For the purposes of the count, the HUD definition of unaccompanied youth was used. This definition
includes children under the age of 18 and transition-age youth between the ages of 18 and 24 who are not
accompanied by a parent or guardian, and who are also not parents presenting with or sleeping in the
same place as their own child(ren). Unaccompanied youth include single youth, youth couples, and
groups of youth presenting together as a household.
Research Design
The 2019 youth count methodology was comprised of two primary components:
i. Youth street count: A street-based questionnaire of unsheltered and unaccompanied
children and transition-age youth conducted in specific areas throughout Alameda
County by teams comprised of young people (age 18-24) with lived experience of
homelessness and service providers; and
ii. Youth count sites: A site-based questionnaire of unsheltered and unaccompanied
children and transition-age youth conducted at specific service locations throughout
Alameda County.
As in 2017, planning for the 2019 youth count included homeless youth service providers and youth with
lived experience of homelessness. Participation of local youth service providers increased in 2019 to
include an array of organizations representing the geographic diversity of the region as well as the
population of young people experiencing homelessness.
A focus group was held in January 2019 with young people currently experiencing homelessness to
identify “hot spot” locations that would be covered on the day of the youth street count where youth
experiencing homelessness were known to congregate. It was also determined that youth experiencing
homelessness would be more prominent on the street during the late afternoon and early evening hours
rather than in the early morning when the general street count was conducted.
Service providers recruited youth with lived experience of homelessness and knowledge of where to
locate other young people experiencing homelessness to serve as youth guides for the youth count.
Covenant House Oakland, Youth UpRising (East Oakland), UC Berkeley Suitcase Clinic, YEAH! Covenant
House, REACH Ashland Youth Center, Beyond Emancipation, VOICES Youth Center, and the Alameda
County Youth Action Board led the recruitment of youth guides and of their staff to accompany and
transport youth guides during the count. Youth guides were compensated $15 per hour for their time,
including time spent in training immediately prior to deployment.
The youth street count was conducted from approximately 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on January 30, 2019.
Youth street count teams comprised of at least one service provider staff member and between one and
three youth guides administered the Youth Count Screening Tool to unsheltered young people in pre-
identified areas of Alameda County. The Youth Count Screening Tool contained questions pertaining to
young people’s age, gender identity, and current housing situation. Youth guides and service provider
staff were trained to administer the questionnaire to any young person under the age of 25 who they
believed to be unsheltered, and to provide young people who completed the questionnaire a $5 BART
ticket as a thank you gift for their participation. Youth street count teams were also provided tally sheets
to count any young person who was believed to be unsheltered but who was unable to complete the
Youth Count Screening Tool due to refusal, safety concerns, or other circumstances.
Additionally, service provider staff from MISSSEY, Our Kids, Youth UpRising, and REACH Ashland Youth
Center administered the Youth Count Screening Tool to young people at their service locations during
regular hours of operation. These locations were strategically selected in order to ensure youth who were
less likely to be encountered via street outreach were included in the count.
Appendix A: Methodology
63 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
Methodological Improvements
In 2019, the youth count methodology changed from an observation-based enumeration to a survey-
based enumeration in order to improve the accuracy of the youth count and gain a better understanding
of how young people experience housing crises in Alameda County.
Previously, youth count teams performed a visual tally similar to general street count teams, only focused
on unsheltered youth under 25 years old. The methodology was updated to incorporate the Youth Count
Screening Tool, a brief questionnaire designed to collect more detailed information on young people’s
living situation. The Youth Count Screening Tool was administered by youth street count teams and
selected youth count site locations to every unsheltered youth encountered. Youth street count teams
were also able to count youth using a tally sheet if the team believed the youth was unsheltered but was
unable to complete the Youth Count Screening Tool.
While the Youth Count Screening Tool also collected information on young people experiencing housing
instability, only data reported by young people who met the definition of the Point-in-Time Count are
included in this report.
Street Count De-Duplication
Data from the youth count and general street count were compared and de-duplicated by assessing
location, gender, and age. In total, five persons under the age of 25 were identified as duplicates and
removed from the data set.
SHELTERED COUNT METHODOLOGY
Goal
The goal of the sheltered count is to gain an accurate count of persons temporarily housed in emergency
shelter, safe haven, and transitional housing facilities across Alameda County. These data are vital to
gaining an accurate, overall count of the homeless population and understanding where homeless
persons receive shelter.
Definition
For the purposes of this study, the HUD definition of sheltered homelessness for the Point-in-Time Count
was used. This definition includes individuals and families living in a supervised publicly or privately-
operated shelter designated to provide temporary living arrangements.
Research Design
The occupancy and demographic information of people occupying emergency shelter, safe haven, and
transitional housing facilities in Alameda County was collected for the night of January 29, 2019. All data
for sheltered persons were gathered by Alameda County Department of Housing and Community
Development lead staff either directly from the program or from Alameda County’s Homeless
Management Information System.
ENUMERATION CHALLENGES AND LIMITATIONS
Even though the Point-in-Time Count is most likely an undercount of the homeless population, the
methodology employed—coupled with the housing survey—is still one of the most comprehensive
approaches available. There are many challenges in any homeless enumeration, especially when
implemented in a community as large and diverse as Alameda County. Point-in-Time Counts are
“snapshots” that quantify the size of the population experiencing homelessness at a given point during
the year. Hence, the count may not be representative of fluctuations and compositional changes in the
homeless population seasonally or over time.
Appendix A: Methodology
64 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
Regardless of how successful outreach efforts are, an undercount of the homeless population will result,
especially of hard-to-reach subpopulations such as unsheltered families, unaccompanied youth, and
limited English-language speakers. For a variety of reasons, unsheltered persons generally do not wish to
be seen and make concerted efforts to avoid detection. Alternatively, persons residing in emergency
shelter, safe haven, and transitional housing programs are much easier to enumerate due to the facility of
collecting information directly from program site locations.
The methods employed in a non-intrusive visual homeless enumeration, while academically sound, have
inherent biases and shortcomings. Even with the assistance of dedicated homeless service providers and
persons with lived experience of homelessness, the methodology cannot guarantee 100% accuracy.
Many factors may contribute to missed opportunities, such as the difficulty of identifying persons who
are sleeping in vans, cars, recreational vehicles, abandoned buildings, or structures unfit for human
habitation as well as families with children experiencing homelessness, who often seek opportunities to
stay on private property rather than sleep on the streets.
SURVEY METHODOLOGY
Planning and Implementation
A survey of 1,681 unique individuals experiencing homelessness was conducted between February 1 and
28, 2019 to yield qualitative data about people experiencing homelessness in Alameda County. Data
collected through the survey effort were used to estimate characteristics such as gender, race, and
ethnicity of the unsheltered population by applying percentages of respondents to the number of
individuals tallied during the street count. These data are also used for the McKinney-Vento Continuum of
Care Homeless Assistance funding application as well as for the local development, planning, and
evaluation of the community’s rehousing efforts.
The survey elicited information such as gender, family status, military service, duration and recurrence of
homelessness, nighttime accommodations, causes of homelessness, and health conditions through
open-ended, closed-ended, and multiple response questions. Specific demographic characteristics such
as ethnicity, race, health conditions, and subpopulations, were defined by and in compliance with HUD.
Other research questions were formulated through community input, such as questions pertaining to
residency and coordinated entry. The survey data bring greater perspective to current issues of
homelessness and to the provision and delivery of services.
Surveys were conducted by peer survey workers with lived homeless experience. Training sessions were
facilitated by ASR and EveryOne Home staff immediately following the general street count. Potential
interviewers were led through a comprehensive orientation that included project background information
as well as detailed instruction on respondent eligibility, interviewing protocol, and confidentiality. Peer
survey workers were compensated at a rate of $7 per completed survey.
It was determined that survey data would be more easily obtained if a thank you gift was offered to
respondents in appreciation for their time and participation. Socks were provided as an incentive for
participating in the 2019 homeless survey. The socks were easy to distribute, had wide appeal, and could
be provided within the project budget. The incentives proved to be widely accepted among survey
respondents. A thank you gift of a $5 gift card was provided to adult survey respondents in emergency
shelter and transitional housing programs and to youth survey respondents.
Survey Sampling
Based on a Point-in-Time Count estimate of 8,022 homeless persons, with a randomized survey sampling
process, the 1,681 valid surveys represented a confidence interval of +/- 2% with a 95% confidence level
when generalizing the results of the survey to the estimated population of individuals experiencing
homelessness in Alameda County.
Appendix A: Methodology
65 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
The 2019 survey was administered in shelters, transitional housing facilities, and on the street.
Unsheltered survey quotas were developed based on the previous count year’s unsheltered data and
established for each jurisdiction within Alameda County. In order to ensure the representation of
emergency shelter and transitional housing residents, survey quotas were created for each housing
program to reach individuals and heads of family households living in these programs.
Strategic attempts were also made to reach individuals in various geographic locations and of various
subset groups such as unaccompanied youth, racial and ethnic groups, veterans, domestic violence
survivors, and families. One way to increase the participation of these groups was to recruit peer survey
workers. As in 2017, EveryOne Counts! prioritized a peer-to-peer approach to data collection by increasing
the number of surveyors currently experiencing homelessness.
In order to increase randomization of sample respondents, peer survey workers were trained to employ
an “every third encounter” survey approach. Surveyors were instructed to approach every third person
they considered to be an eligible survey respondent. Emergency shelter and transitional housing staff
administering the survey to program residents were also instructed to survey every third head of
household. If the person declined to take the survey, the surveyor could approach the next eligible person
they encountered. After completing a survey, the randomized approach was resumed.
Data Collection
Care was taken by interviewers to ensure that respondents felt comfortable regardless of the street or
shelter location where the survey occurred. During the interviews, respondents were encouraged to be
candid in their responses and were informed that these responses would be framed as general findings,
remain confidential, and would not be traceable to any single individual. Respondents were also allowed
to skip or refuse to answer any question that made them uncomfortable or for which they were unwilling
to share
Data Analysis
The survey requested respondents’ initials and date of birth so that duplication could be avoided without
compromising the respondents’ anonymity. Upon completion of the survey effort, an extensive
verification process was conducted to eliminate duplicates. This process examined respondents’ date of
birth, initials, gender, ethnicity, length of homelessness, and consistencies in patterns of responses to
other survey questions.
SURVEY CHALLENGES AND LIMITATIONS
The 2019 Alameda County Homeless Survey methodology relies heavily on self-reported data collected
from peer surveyors and program staff. While self-report allows individuals to represent their own
experiences, self-reported data are often more variable than clinically reported data. However, using the
peer-to-peer interviewing methodology is believed to enable respondents to be more candid with their
answers and to help reduce the uneasiness of revealing personal information. Further, service providers
recommended individuals who would be the best suited to conducting interviews and these individuals
received comprehensive training about how to conduct interviews. The service providers and/or county
staff who collected completed surveys also reviewed the surveys to ensure quality responses. Surveys
that were considered incomplete or containing false responses were not accepted.
It is important to recognize that variations between survey years may result from shifts in the
demographic profiles of surveyors, accessibility to certain populations, and changes to the survey
instrument. While every effort was made to collect surveys from a random and diverse sample of
unsheltered and sheltered individuals, the hard-to-reach nature of the population experiencing
homelessness prevents a true random sampling. Recruitment of diverse and geographically dispersed
surveyors was prioritized; however, equal survey participation across all populations may be further
Appendix A: Methodology
66 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
limited by the participation and adequate representation of subpopulations in planning and
implementation processes. This includes persons living in vehicles, unsheltered families, and limited
English-language speakers.
It is for these reasons that Point-in-Time Count data should be used in conjunction with other community
sources of data on individuals and families experiencing homelessness to gather a comprehensive
understanding of the community.
Appendix B: Definitions and Abbreviations
67 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
Appendix B: Definitions and
Abbreviations
Chronic homelessness – Defined by HUD as an unaccompanied individual or head of a family household
with a disabling condition who has either continuously experienced homelessness for a year or more, or
has experienced at least four episodes of homelessness totaling 12 months, in the past three years.
Disabling condition – Defined by HUD as a physical, mental, or emotional impairment, including an
impairment caused by alcohol or drug abuse, PTSD, or brain injury that is expected to be long-term and
impacts the individual’s ability to live independently; a developmental disability; or HIV/AIDS.
Emergency shelter – The provision of a safe alternative to the streets, either in a shelter facility or
through the use of stabilization rooms. Emergency shelter is short-term, usually for 180 days or fewer.
Domestic violence shelters are typically considered a type of emergency shelter, as they provide safe,
immediate housing for survivors and their children.
Family – A household with at least one adult and one child under the age of 18.
Homeless – Under the Category 1 definition of homelessness in the HEARTH Act, includes individuals
and families living in a supervised publicly or privately operated shelter designated to provide temporary
living arrangements, or with a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed
for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings, including a car, park,
abandoned building, bus or train station, airport, or camping ground.
HUD – Abbreviation for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Precariously housed – A person who is staying with the household because they have no other regular or
adequate place to stay due to a lack of money or other means of support.
Sheltered homeless individuals – Individuals who are living in emergency shelters or transitional housing
programs.
Single individual – Refers to an unaccompanied youth or adult. The individual may be an unaccompanied
child under the age of 18 living without a parent or guardian over the age of 18, or an adult who is part of
a collection of adults living together as a household without any minor children living with them.
Transition-age youth – Young people between the ages of 18 and 24 years old who are not accompanied
by a parent or guardian and are not a parent presenting with or sleeping in the same place as their own
child(ren).
Appendix B: Definitions and Abbreviations
68 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
Transitional housing – Housing in which homeless individuals may live up to 24 months and receive
supportive services that enable them to live more independently. Supportive services – which help
promote residential stability, increased skill level or income, and greater self-determination –may be
provided by the organization managing the housing, or coordinated by that organization and provided by
other public or private agencies. Transitional housing can be provided in one structure or several
structures at one site, or in multiple structures at scattered sites.
Unaccompanied children – Children under the age of 18 who are not accompanied by a parent or
guardian and are not a parent presenting with or sleeping in the same place as their own child(ren).
Unsheltered homeless individuals – Individuals who are living on the streets, in abandoned buildings,
storage structures, vehicles, encampments, or any other place unfit for human habitation.
Appendix C: Point-in-Time Count Results
69 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
Appendix C: Point-in-Time Count
Results
The following tables include the EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey data submitted to
HUD for individuals experiencing homelessness in Alameda County. Data are reported by three household
types (households with at least one adult and one child, households with no children, and households
with only children) and by shelter status (sheltered and unsheltered). Specific data on veteran
households, youth and young adult households, and various subpopulations are also reported and
included in the tables found in this section.
ALL HOUSEHOLDS
HOUSEHOLDS WITH AT LEAST ONE ADULT AND ONE CHILD
Sheltered Unsheltered Total
Total number of households 161 9 170
Total number of persons 497 27 524
Number of children (under 18) 286 14 300
Number of young adults (18-24) 34 1 35
Number of adults (over 24) 177 12 189
Gender (adults and children)
Female 320 16 336
Male 177 11 188
Transgender 0 0 0
Gender Non-Conforming 0 0 0
Ethnicity (adults and children)
Non-Hispanic/Non-Latinx 377 21 398
Hispanic/Latinx 120 6 126
Race (adults and children)
White 92 9 101
Black or African-American 288 12 300
Asian 0 0 0
American Indian or Alaska Native 13 0 13
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander 20 0 20
Multiple Races 84 6 90
Appendix C: Point-in-Time Count Results
70 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
Chronically Homeless
Total number of households 60 1 61
Total number of persons 130 3 133
HOUSEHOLDS WITHOUT CHILDREN
Sheltered Unsheltered Total
Total number of households 1184 6276 7460
Total number of persons 1193 6276 7469
Number of youth adults (age 18-24) 139 579 718
Number of adults (over age 24) 1054 5697 6751
Gender
Female 404 2071 2475
Male 778 3933 4711
Transgender 8 114 122
Gender Non-Conforming 3 158 161
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic/Non-Latinx 1022 5199 6221
Hispanic/Latinx 171 1077 1248
Race
White 308 2099 2407
Black or African-American 705 2774 3479
Asian 35 91 126
American Indian or Alaska Native 43 242 285
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander 16 91 107
Multiple Races 86 979 1065
Chronically Homeless
Total number of persons 487 1615 2102
HOUSEHOLDS WITH ONLY CHILDREN
Sheltered Unsheltered Total
Total number of households 20 9 29
Total number of children (persons under age 18) 20 9 29
Gender
Female 13 5 18
Male 7 4 11
Transgender 0 0 0
Gender Non-Conforming 0 0 0
Ethnicity
Non-Hispanic/Non-Latinx 9 7 16
Hispanic/Latinx 11 2 13
Appendix C: Point-in-Time Count Results
71 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
Race
White 6 2 8
Black or African-American 7 6 13
Asian 0 0 0
American Indian or Alaska Native 3 0 3
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander 1 0 1
Multiple Races 3 1 4
Chronically Homeless
Total number of persons 0 1 1
VETERAN HOUSEHOLDS
VETERAN HOUSEHOLDS WITH AT LEAST ONE ADULT AND ONE CHILD
Sheltered Unsheltered Total
Total number of households 1 1 2
Total number of persons 2 3 5
Total number of veterans 1 1 2
Gender (veterans only)
Female 0 1 1
Male 1 0 1
Transgender 0 0 0
Gender Non-Conforming 0 0 0
Ethnicity (veterans only)
Non-Hispanic/Non-Latinx 1 1 2
Hispanic/Latinx 0 0 0
Race (veterans only)
White 1 0 1
Black or African-American 0 1 1
Asian 0 0 0
American Indian or Alaska Native 0 0 0
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander 0 0 0
Multiple Races 0 0 0
Chronically Homeless
Total number of households 0 0 0
Total number of persons 0 0 0
Appendix C: Point-in-Time Count Results
72 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
VETERAN HOUSEHOLDS WITHOUT CHILDREN
Sheltered Unsheltered Total
Total number of households 146 544 690
Total number of persons 146 694 840
Total number of veterans 146 544 690
Gender (veterans only)
Female 9 73 82
Male 137 445 582
Transgender 0 5 5
Gender Non-Conforming 0 21 21
Ethnicity (veterans only)
Non-Hispanic/Non-Latinx 137 446 583
Hispanic/Latinx 9 98 107
Race (veterans only)
White 38 180 218
Black or African-American 91 223 314
Asian 3 5 8
American Indian or Alaska Native 6 27 33
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander 1 11 12
Multiple Races 7 98 105
Chronically Homeless
Total number of persons 27 197 224
YOUTH HOUSEHOLDS
UNACCOMPANIED YOUTH HOUSEHOLDS
Sheltered Unsheltered Total
Total number of unaccompanied youth households 120 588 708
Total number of unaccompanied youth 143 588 731
Number of unaccompanied children (under 18) 20 9 29
Number of unaccompanied (18-24) 123 579 702
Gender (unaccompanied youth)
Female 56 246 302
Male 73 302 375
Transgender 4 16 20
Gender Non-Conforming 0 24 24
Ethnicity (unaccompanied youth)
Non-Hispanic/Non-Latinx 101 489 590
Hispanic/Latinx 42 99 141
Appendix C: Point-in-Time Count Results
73 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
Race (unaccompanied youth)
White 28 120 148
Black or African-American 82 341 423
Asian 5 9 14
American Indian or Alaska Native 15 18 33
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander 2 9 11
Multiple Races 11 91 102
Chronically Homeless
Total number of persons 0 64 64
PARENTING YOUTH HOUSEHOLDS
Sheltered Unsheltered Total
Total number of parenting youth households 19 1 20
Total number of persons in parenting youth households 43 2 45
Total parenting youth (youth parents only) 19 1 20
Total children in parenting youth households 24 1 25
Number of parenting youth under 18 0 0 0
Number of children with parenting youth under 18 0 0 0
Number of parenting youth ages 18-24 19 1 20
Number of children with parenting youth age 18-24 24 1 25
Gender (youth parents only)
Female 18 1 19
Male 1 0 1
Transgender 0 0 0
Gender Non-Conforming 0 0 0
Ethnicity (youth parents only)
Non-Hispanic/Non-Latinx 19 1 20
Hispanic/Latinx 0 0 0
Race (youth parents only)
White 0 0 0
Black or African-American 15 1 16
Asian 0 0 0
American Indian or Alaska Native 1 0 1
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander 0 0 0
Multiple Races 3 0 3
Chronically Homeless
Total number of households 1 0 1
Total number of persons 2 0 2
Appendix C: Point-in-Time Count Results
74 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
ADDITIONAL HOMELESS POPULATIONS
Sheltered Unsheltered Total
Adults with Serious Mental Illness 563 2027 2590
Adults with Substance Use Disorder 343 1554 1897
Adults with HIV/AIDS 38 169 207
Victims of Domestic Violence (optional) 122 385 507
Appendix D: Adult Survey & Youth Screening Tool
75 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
Appendix D: Adult Survey & Youth
Screening Tool
Appendix D: Adult Survey & Youth Screening Tool
76 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
Appendix D: Adult Survey & Youth Screening Tool
77 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
Appendix E: Survey Results
78 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
Appendix E: Survey Results
The following tables include the aggregate results of select questions asked of individuals experiencing
homelessness in Alameda County during the EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Survey.
Section A: Demographics
Count N %
Do you identify as LGBTQ+?
Yes 229 14%
No 1453 86%
Total 1682 100%
Breakout of Respondents Identifying
as LGBTQ+
Bisexual 98 43%
Lesbian 37 16%
Gay 43 19%
Transgender 38 12%
Queer 18 8%
Other 23 10%
Total 229 100.0%
Are you currently pregnant?
Yes 35 6%
No 575 92%
Don't know 6 1%
Refuse 9 1%
Total 625 100%
Have you ever been in foster care?
Yes 238 14%
No 1341 81%
Don’t know 10 1%
Refuse 68 4%
Total 1657 100%
Are you currently enrolled in
school?
Yes 87 5%
No 1523 92%
Total 1651 100%
Appendix E: Survey Results
79 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
Section C: Accommodation Count N %
Where were you staying on the
night of January 29, 2019?
Outdoors, streets, parks, encampments 625 37%
Structure indoor area 261 15%
Motel/hotel 176 10%
Vehicle 162 10%
Emergency transition or other shelter 458 27%
Total 1682 100%
Is this the first time you have been
homeless?
Yes 502 31%
No 1037 64%
Refuse 89 5%
Total 1628 100%
How long have you been homeless
this current time?
7 days or less 31 2%
8-30 days 42 3%
1-3 months 82 5%
4-6 months 165 10%
7-11 months 150 9%
1 year 169 10%
More than 1 year 861 53%
Refuse 138 8%
Total 1638 100%
In addition to right now, how long
would you say you have stayed in
these kinds of places total in the
past 3 years?
Less than a year 362 29%
1-3 years 423 34%
4 years or more 477 38%
Total 1262 100%
Appendix E: Survey Results
80 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
Section D: Cause and Prevention
Count N %
What do you think is the primary
event or condition that led to your
homelessness?
Job loss 222 13%
Eviction/Foreclosure 152 9%
Incarceration 135 8%
Substance use issues 167 10%
Physical health issues 91 5%
Divorce/Separation/Break-up 58 4%
Rent increase 150 9%
Argument with family/friend/roommate 85 5%
Family/domestic violence 97 6%
Mental health issues 201 12%
Aging out of foster care 57 3%
Family or friends couldn’t afford to let me stay 115 7%
Death of a parent/spouse/child 71 4%
Other money issues 133 8%
Other 84 5%
Don’t know 117 7%
Total 1655 100%
What resources might have helped
you remain in your housing?
Rent assistance 549 33%
Employment assistance 378 23%
Benefits/income 492 30%
Mental health services 341 21%
Food assistance 143 9%
Transportation assistance 144 9%
Legal assistance 233 14%
Alcohol/drug counseling 281 17%
Family counseling 169 10%
Conflict resolution with roommate 136 8%
Help paying health care bills/insurance 99 6%
Help obtaining resources after leaving institution 183 11%
Landlord mediation 74 4%
Don't know 132 8%
Mortgage assistance 72 4%
Child support 52 3%
Adequate retirement income 54 3%
Other 71 4%
Refuse 92 6%
Total 1658 100%
Appendix E: Survey Results
81 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
If you could get into any kind of
housing right now, would kind
would you like best?
Independent, affordable rental housing 896 55%
Housing with support services 242 15%
Assisted living (24-hour care) 62 4%
Clean and sober housing 213 13%
Not interested in housing now 54 3%
Other:__________ 59 4%
Refuse 109 7%
Total 1635 100%
Section E: Residency Count N %
In what county were you living at
the time you most recently became
homeless?
San Francisco 64 4%
Other County in CA 71 4%
Out of State 53 3%
Alameda County 1267 78%
Contra Costa County 36 2%
Marin County 10 1%
San Mateo County 21 1%
Santa Clara County 32 2%
Refuse 79 5%
Total 1633 100%
How long have you lived in Alameda
County?
Less than 6 months 63 4%
6 months to 1 year 117 8%
1-4 years 196 13%
5-9 years 202 13%
10+ years 882 57%
Refuse 86 6%
Total 1546 100%
What was the primary reason you
stay in this location?
For a job/seeking work 104 6%
To access VA services or clinic 14 1%
Family/friends are here 236 15%
To access homeless services and/or benefits 114 7%
LGBTQ+ community/acceptance 27 2%
I grew up here/it’s my home 626 38%
I feel safe here 222 14%
Shelter/housing program 161 10%
Other: ________ 122 8%
Total 1626 100%
Appendix E: Survey Results
82 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
Immediately before you became
homeless, what type of place were
you living in?
A home owned or rented by you or your partner 434 26%
A home owned or rented by friends/relatives 525 32%
Motel/hotel 133 8%
Other: __________ 135 8%
Jail or prison 98 6%
Subsidized housing or permanent supportive housing 101 6%
Refuse 113 7%
Hospital or treatment facility 55 3%
Foster care placement 34 2%
Juvenile Justice Facility 13 1%
Total 1641 100%
Section G: Criminal Justice
Count N %
Are you currently on probation?
Yes 137 9%
No 1330 83%
Don’t know 36 2%
Refuse 108 7%
Total 1611 100%
Are you currently on parole?
Yes 52 3%
No 1354 88%
Don’t know 26 2%
Refuse 105 7%
Total 1537 100%
Section H: Domestic Violence
Count N %
Are you currently experiencing
home/domestic violence or abuse?
Yes 99 6%
No 1399 87%
Refuse 101 6%
Total 1599 100%
Have you ever been physically,
emotionally or sexually abused by a
relative, or another person you have
stayed with?
Yes 420 26%
No 1072 66%
Refuse 128 8%
Total 1620 100%
Appendix E: Survey Results
83 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
Section I: Services and Assistance
Count N %
If new money came into Alameda
County to end homelessness, how
should it be spent?
24/7 Basic sanitation 405 25%
Safe parking for persons living in vehicles 170 10%
Emergency shelter 324 20%
Daytime drop-in centers 236 14%
Permanent help with rent/subsidy 632 38%
Affordable rental housing 850 52%
Shared housing 97 6%
Assisted living/24-hour care 81 5%
Housing with supportive services 318 19%
Domestic violence shelters 99 6%
Employment training and job opportunities 506 31%
Substance use and/or mental health services 368 22%
Family reunification 168 10%
Short-term financial assistance 260 16%
Short-term help with rent 165 10%
Other 109 7%
Total 1649 100%
What prevents you from using
shelter services?
They are full 250 16%
Germs 299 19%
Bugs 434 28%
They are too crowded 345 22%
Concerns for personal safety 350 22%
There are too many rules 359 23%
They are too far away 126 8%
There is nowhere to store my stuff 305 19%
I can't stay with my partner/family 166 11%
I can't stay with my friends 149 10%
They don't accept my pet 164 10%
Don't accept my gender or sexual orientation 43 3%
Refuse 288 18%
Total 1566 100%
Have you used Coordinated Entry?
Yes 729 45%
No 686 43%
Don’t know 115 7%
Refuse 79 5%
Total 1609 100%
Appendix F: Table of Figures
84 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
Appendix F: Table of Figures
Point-in-Time Count Findings Figures 1-12
FIGURE 1. Total Number of Persons Experiencing Homelessness in Alameda County During the Point-in-
Time Count ...................................................................................................................................... 12
FIGURE 2. Total Number of Persons Experiencing Homelessness by Shelter Status ................................. 13
FIGURE 3. Total Number of Persons Experiencing Homelessness by Location .......................................... 14
FIGURE 4. Total Number of Persons Experiencing Homelessness by Household Type, Age, and Shelter
Status ............................................................................................................................................... 14
FIGURE 5. Total Number of Persons Experiencing Homelessness by Gender ............................................. 15
FIGURE 6. Total Number of Persons Experiencing Homelessness by Household Type, Gender, and Shelter
Status ............................................................................................................................................... 15
FIGURE 7. Total Number of Persons Expreiencing Homelessness by Hispanic/Latinx Ethnicity ............... 16
FIGURE 8. Total Number of Persons Experiencing Homelessness by Race ................................................. 16
FIGURE 9. Total Number of Persons Experiencing Homelessness by Jurisdiction and Shelter Status ..... 17
FIGURE 10. Total Number of Persons Experiencing Homelessness by Jurisdiction ................................... 18
FIGURE 11. Total Number of Unsheltered Persons by Census Tract ............................................................ 19
FIGURE 12. Federally Reported Subpopulations ............................................................................................. 20
Survey Findings Figures 13-35
FIGURE 13. Place of Residence at Time of Housing Loss .............................................................................. 22
FIGURE 14. Length of Time Spent in Alameda County ................................................................................... 22
FIGURE 15. Reason for Staying in Current Location (Specific Place) ............................................................ 23
FIGURE 16. Living Arrangements Immediately Prior to Experiencing Homelessness by First-Time
Homelessness ................................................................................................................................ 24
FIGURE 17. Current Living Arrangements ........................................................................................................ 25
FIGURE 18. Experiencing Homelessness for the First Time .......................................................................... 26
FIGURE 19. Number of Episodes of Homelessness in the Past Three Years ............................................... 26
FIGURE 20. Length of Current Episode of Homelessness .............................................................................. 27
FIGURE 21. Age at First Experience of Homelessness ................................................................................... 27
FIGURE 22. Primary Cause of Homelessness (Top Six Responses) ............................................................. 28
FIGURE 23. Support That Might Have Prevented Homelessness (Top Five Responses)............................. 29
FIGURE 24. Sexual and Gender Identity ........................................................................................................... 30
FIGURE 25. History of Foster Care ................................................................................................................... 31
FIGURE 26. Criminal Justice Involvement ....................................................................................................... 32
FIGURE 27. School Enrollment ......................................................................................................................... 33
FIGURE 28. Health Conditions .......................................................................................................................... 34
FIGURE 29. Health Conditions by Shelter Status ............................................................................................ 35
Appendix F: Table of Figures
85 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
FIGURE 30. Domestic Violence ........................................................................................................................ 36
FIGURE 31. History of Domestic Violence Experience by Gender .................................................................. 36
FIGURE 32. How Any New Funding to End Homelessness in Alameda County Should be Spent (Top Six
Responses) ...................................................................................................................................... 37
FIGURE 33. Coordinated Entry Use .................................................................................................................. 38
FIGURE 34. Reasons for Not Using Shelter Services (Top Five Responses) ................................................. 38
FIGURE 35. Types of Housing Wanted ............................................................................................................ 39
Single Adults 25 and Older Figures 36-42
FIGURE 36. Shelter Status of Single Adults 25 Years and Older EXperiencng Homelessness .................... 41
FIGURE 37. Length of Current Episode of Homelessness Among Single Adults 25 years and Older ......... 42
FIGURE 38. Living Arrangements Immediately Prior to Becoming Homeless Among Single Adults 25
Years and Older (Top Five Responses) ......................................................................................... 42
FIGURE 39. Primary Cause of Homelessness Among Single Adults 25 Years and Older (Top Five
Responses) ...................................................................................................................................... 43
FIGURE 40. Support Needed to Prevent Housing Loss Among Single Adults 25 Years and Older (Top Five
Responses) ...................................................................................................................................... 43
FIGURE 41. Health Conditions Among Single Adults 25 Years and Older ..................................................... 44
FIGURE 42. Types of Housing Wanted Among Single Adults 25 Years and Older........................................ 44
Families with Children Figures 43-45
FIGURE 43. Shelter Status of Families with Children Experiencing Homelessness ..................................... 45
FIGURE 44. Primary Cause of Homelessness Among Families With Children ............................................. 46
FIGURE 45. Health Conditions Among Families With Children ...................................................................... 46
Unaccompanied Children and Transition-Age Youth Figures 46-50
FIGURE 46. Shelter Status of Unaccompanied Children and Transition-Age Youth Experiencing
Homelessness ................................................................................................................................ 48
FIGURE 47. Primary Cause of Homelessness Among Unaccompanied Children and Transition-Age
Youth…. ............................................................................................................................................ 49
FIGURE 48. Health Conditions Among Unaccompanied Children and Transition-Age Youth ...................... 50
FIGURE 49. LGBTQ+ Status Among Unaccompanied Children and Transition-Age Youth .......................... 51
FIGURE 50. History of Foster Care Among Unaccompanied Children and Transition-Age Youth ............... 52
Individuals Experiencing Chronic Homelessness Figures 51-53
FIGURE 51. Shelter Status of Persons Experiencing Chronic Homelessness ............................................... 53
FIGURE 52. Primary Cause of Homelessness Among Chronically Homeless Persons ............................... 54
FIGURE 53. Health Conditions Among Chronically Homeless Persons ........................................................ 55
Veterans Figures 54-56
FIGURE 54. Shelter Status of Veterans Experiencing Homelessness ........................................................... 56
FIGURE 55. Primary Cause of Homelessness Among Veterans .................................................................... 57
FIGURE 56. Health Conditions Among Veterans ............................................................................................. 57
Appendix G: Figure Sources
86 | EveryOne Counts! 2019 Homeless Count and Survey
Appendix G: Figure Sources
All Point in Time Count Data 2017-2019: The figure source for the data is Applied Survey Research, (2017-
2019) Alameda Homeless Census and Survey.
All Homeless Survey Findings 2017-2019: The figure source for the data is Applied Survey Research,
(2017-2019) Alameda Homeless Census and Survey.
All Subpopulation Data 2017-2019: The figure source for the data is Applied Survey Research, (2017-
2019) Alameda Homeless Census and Survey.
All Point in Time Count and Survey Data 2009-2015: The figure source for the data is Focus Strategies.
(2009 – 2015). Alameda Countywide Homeless Count and Survey Report.
All U.S. Census Data: The figure source for the data is U.S. Census Bureau. (May 2017). American
Community Survey 2017 1 Year Estimates, Table DP05: ACS Demographic and Housing Estimates.
Retrieved from http://factfinder2.census.gov.
Alameda County
HOMELESS COUNT & SURVEY
COMPREHENSIVE REPORT2019