Through Governor Gavin Newsom’s support of local government efforts and state investments, California is making progress in addressing homelessness. In 2024, the state outperformed the nation by slowing down the increase in homelessness. Preliminary data for 2025 indicates a decrease in homelessness in several communities.
Governor Newsom announced these developments, stating, “No one in our nation should be without a place to call home. I am proud of the work we are doing together to reverse this decades-old crisis.”
Local governments conduct point-in-time counts annually, with final numbers reported in December. While preliminary data has not been verified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, initial reports from communities are promising.
For example, San Diego saw a 3.9% decrease in unsheltered homelessness and total homelessness down 13.5%. Riverside County reported a 19% decrease in unsheltered homelessness. In Los Angeles County, unsheltered homelessness has decreased for two consecutive years, with preliminary data showing a reduction of 9.5% and total homelessness expected to drop by 4%.
Continuums of care serving regional jurisdictions also reported positive results. San Bernardino County saw a 10.2% drop in total homelessness, while San Diego County’s homeless population decreased by 7%. The Bakersfield region experienced a reduction of 2.3%.
The Newsom administration is working to reverse decades of inaction on homelessness. Between 2014 and 2019—before Governor Newsom took office—unsheltered homelessness rose significantly in California. Since then, under his administration, the growth has slowed even as other states have seen worsening trends.
In 2024, while national homelessness increased by over 18%, California limited its overall increase to just 3%, achieving the nation’s largest reduction in veteran homelessness and making progress on youth homelessness.
Since taking office in 2019, Governor Newsom has implemented significant policy changes to address housing and homelessness crises more effectively.
