Chronic Homelessness Doubles In Marin County According To Point-In-Time Count

MARIN COUNTY, CA — The number of people experiencing chronic homelessness in Marin County more than doubled over the past two years, according to the county’s 2026 Point-in-Time Count.

The number of chronically homeless people rose from 217 in 2024 to 438 in 2026, with 83 percent living without shelter, according to the report.

Overall homelessness increased more modestly, from 1,090 people in 2024 to 1,128 this year. Nearly three-quarters of those counted were living unsheltered in vehicles, encampments or other locations not intended for habitation.

“The progress we've made with veterans and youth demonstrates the impact of focused investments and strong community partnerships,” said Assistant County Executive Dr. Lisa Warhuus, who also serves as director of the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services. “At the same time, the increase in chronic homelessness underscores the urgent need for more permanent supportive housing and housing resources for people with the most complex needs.”

The county defines chronic homelessness as homelessness experienced by people with a qualifying disabling condition, such as serious mental illness, substance abuse or a developmental disability, who have been homeless continuously for at least a year or repeatedly over several years.

More than 150 chronically homeless people in Marin have been referred to and accepted for federal Section 8 assistance but are still waiting for vouchers to become available, according to the county.

Officials said limited housing subsidies can delay exits from homelessness while people continue working with case managers and other service providers.

A survey conducted by people with lived experience after the count found that 88 percent of respondents had been living in Marin before becoming homeless. Economic hardship was the most frequently cited cause, while nearly two-thirds said they were experiencing homelessness for the first time.

More than half of respondents reported living with at least one disabling condition, highlighting the need to connect housing assistance with behavioral health and health care services, officials said.

Some Homelessness Measures Improved

The 2026 count also found significant declines among several priority populations.

Veteran homelessness fell from 49 people in 2024 to 11 this year, continuing a decline from 65 in 2022. The county attributed the reduction to coordinated outreach, case management, housing resources and partnerships focused on veterans.

The number of unaccompanied children and transition-age youth experiencing homelessness dropped from 108 in 2024 to 60.

Family homelessness also continued to decline, falling from 64 families in 2024 to 60.

“These results remind us that homelessness is not driven by a single issue, nor solved by a single program,” said Gary Naja-Riese, director of the county’s Division of Homelessness and Coordinated Care. “We know targeted investments can make a measurable difference.”

The county said it is continuing efforts to expand interim shelter and permanent housing, including expanding shelter capacity in West Marin and developing the 350 Merrydale interim shelter in partnership with San Rafael.

The county is also supporting housing stabilization efforts at Binford Road in unincorporated Novato, including temporary rental assistance for eligible residents awaiting permanent housing opportunities.

The Point-in-Time Count, conducted every other year under federal requirements, provides a one-day snapshot of people experiencing homelessness in shelters, transitional housing, vehicles, encampments and other locations not intended for habitation.