Body of News Release
Marin County, CA – The executive summary from Marin County’s 2026 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, conducted on January 28, paints a mixed picture of homelessness in Marin. While overall homelessness increased modestly since 2024, the County saw significant reductions in veteran, youth, and family homelessness even as chronic homelessness emerged as its most pressing challenge.
The Marin County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Division of Homelessness and Coordinated Care (HCC) planned and conducted the count to continue its biennial benchmarks. The PIT Count, conducted every other year by federal law, offers a one-day snapshot of people experiencing homelessness, including those living in shelters, transitional housing, vehicles, encampments, and other locations not intended for habitation.
Overall homelessness increased modestly — from 1,090 people in 2024 to 1,128 in 2026 — while nearly three-quarters (74%) of those counted were living unsheltered. At the same time, the data show meaningful progress for several priority populations, including military veterans, transition-age youth, and families experiencing homelessness.
“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 serves as Director of HHS. “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 report’s most significant concern is the sharp increase in chronic homelessness. The number of people experiencing chronic homelessness rose from 217 in 2024 to 438 in 2026, with 83% living unsheltered. Chronic homelessness is defined as individuals with a qualifying disabling condition (such as serious mental illness, substance abuse, or developmental disability) who have been homeless continuously for at least one year or repeatedly over several years.
The increase in chronic homelessness also reflects broader housing challenges facing Marin County. Locally, more than 150 chronically homeless individuals have been referred to and accepted for federal Section 8 assistance but remain waiting for vouchers to become available. Limited housing subsidies can delay exits from homelessness while those individuals continue to work with case managers and other providers.
A survey, conducted by individuals with lived experience, in the months following the PIT Count provides important context behind the numbers. Eighty-eight percent of respondents reported living in Marin before becoming homeless, reinforcing that homelessness in Marin is overwhelmingly a local issue. Economic hardship was the most frequently cited cause of homelessness, while nearly two-thirds of respondents said they were experiencing homelessness for the first time. More than half reported living with at least one disabling condition, highlighting the importance of integrating housing, behavioral health, and health care services.
The best news emanating from the 2026 PIT Count included:
- Veteran homelessness declined dramatically, from 49 veterans in 2024 to just 11 in 2026, continuing a downward trend from 65 veterans in 2022. The reduction demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated outreach, case management, housing resources and strong partnerships focused on veterans.
- Youth homelessness also declined dramatically. The number of unaccompanied children and transition-aged youth experiencing homelessness fell from 108 in 2024 to 60 in 2026. Youth homelessness is often hidden and difficult to measure, so the decline is encouraging while reinforcing the importance of continued investments in youth outreach, shelter, transitional housing, and rapid rehousing.
- Family homelessness continued is gradual decline, decreasing from 64 families in 2024 to 60 in 2026. Early intervention and homelessness prevention remain essential to helping families maintain stable housing and avoid long-term homelessness.
“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 HCC Division. “We know targeted investments can make a measurable difference. Our work now is to continue expanding housing opportunities while strengthening prevention, behavioral health services, and supportive housing for those with the greatest needs.”
The findings reinforce the County’s continued commitment to expanding both immediate shelter options and long-term housing solutions. Current initiatives include:
- Expanding interim shelter capacity in West Marin.
- Developing the 350 Merrydale interim shelter in partnership with the City of San Rafael.
- Supporting housing stabilization efforts at Binford Road in unincorporated Novato, including temporary rental assistance as eligible residents await permanent housing opportunities.
- Continuing investments in outreach, housing-based case management, behavioral health services, and permanent housing pathways.
The Executive Summary also features an analysis of unsheltered individuals by jurisdiction, providing essential data to both municipalities and unincorporated communities on the status of their residents.
The County of Marin is the primary funder and coordinator of local homeless services, leading with an evidence-based Housing First approach and a countywide Coordinated Entry System that connects people to the housing and support they need. Working closely with cities, County departments, and community partners, we are committed to helping individuals and families secure and sustain permanent housing.
Marin HHS maintains a webpage that includes resources for those experiencing homelessness.