The number of people experiencing homelessness in Carlsbad has decreased by 20% since 2020, while the countywide number increased by 10%, based on the latest regional count, released May 19. Get the data

Each year, agencies throughout the nation participate in the Point in Time count, an organized effort to collect data on homelessness on the same day over a four-hour period, usually early in the morning. Locally, the Point in Time count is coordinated by the San Diego Regional Task Force on Homelessness. In Carlsbad, residents are invited to participate alongside social workers and members of the city's Homeless Response Team. 

“The Point in Time count provides a snapshot that, combined with other data, helps the City of Carlsbad get a better understanding of the population experiencing homelessness and how we can best direct resources to address this problem and its effects on our community,” said Mandy Mills, who heads up the city’s new Housing & Homeless Services Department.

Although the County of San Diego has primary responsibility for leading the region’s health and human services, the City of Carlsbad developed its own Homeless Response Plan in 2017 to address city-specific needs and help coordinate among the county and various non-profit organizations also involved in this issue. The city’s program includes:

• Contracted social workers to assist people experiencing homelessness in Carlsbad access services to help bridge them to permanent housing.
• Providing funding for shelters, programs to help people get out of homelessness and more affordable housing in Carlsbad.
• A specially trained Homeless Outreach Team in the Police Department.
• A short-term emergency shelter program. 

2022 Point in Time highlights

• In 2022, 118 people experiencing homelessness in Carlsbad were identified, compared to 148 in 2020. This includes people in shelters.
• About three-quarters were male.
• 8% were veterans.
• The City of San Diego has 57% of the region’s total number of people experiencing homelessness. The north coastal region has 9%. Carlsbad has 1.75%. 

According to Mills, the Point in Time numbers can be affected by things like weather and shelter availability. For example, COVID intake restrictions at shelters and colder than normal temperatures on Feb. 24, the day of the count, might mean fewer people were located during the count.

“Even though this is not conclusive evidence, it is encouraging,” said Mills. “While we continue our efforts, we will also be tracking many different measures and reporting out regularly on our progress.” 

Carlsbad uses a variety of data points to track progress of its efforts to reduce homelessness and reports results to the City Council quarterly. The next report is scheduled for June.

More information

2022 Point in Time Count data
San Diego Regional Task Force on Homelessness news release
Carlsbad’s homeless response efforts

Mandy Mills, Housing & Homeless Services Director, mandy.mills@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2907