Sacramento County, California – Sacramento County’s homeless services system is reaching thousands of people each year, but the numbers presented to county leaders this week also showed just how steep the climb remains. More than half of those served face multiple vulnerabilities, and most reported little or no income.
Still, the latest results offered measurable signs of progress. During fiscal year 2025–26, 6,662 unduplicated people received help through County-funded outreach, shelter, prevention, rehousing and transitional housing programs.
The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors reviewed those results Tuesday, Aug. 25, as Department of Homeless Services and Housing Director Emily Halcon presented a broad update on programs, outcomes and the County’s long-term approach to homelessness.
Halcon traced the strategy back to Board decisions dating to 2016, including investments and policy direction built around a housing-first model. The County later created the Department of Homeless Services and Housing in 2023, expanding programs, staffing and the number of people reached through County-funded services.
Data from the Homeless Management Information System showed that 43% of participants who left programs during fiscal year 2025–26 moved into permanent housing. Prevention programs recorded a 77% permanent-housing exit rate, while rehousing programs reached 78%.
Those outcomes came despite significant barriers. Among participant heads of household, 61% were considered highly vulnerable after reporting at least four County-identified vulnerability factors. Half of participants reported having no income, while another 36% reported annual income below $20,000.
Shelter capacity also remained heavily used, with facilities operating throughout the full year averaging roughly 86% utilization.
The financial side of the County’s response received attention as well. Finance Director Chad Rinde discussed a forensic audit of countywide homelessness spending designed to examine internal controls, contract compliance and adherence to state and federal standards.
In the coming fiscal year, the Department of Homeless Services and Housing expects to contract more than $65 million to community-based organizations providing shelter, outreach and other services.
Several of those organizations addressed supervisors directly. Leaders from Community Health Works, First Step Communities, CityNet and Brilliant Corners described their work and the challenges facing people experiencing homelessness. Front-line workers also shared accounts of clients who have secured housing and others still working toward stability.
The message from providers was one of continued partnership. As several told the Board, “We stand with the County – we’re here as partners.”
The update showed a system that has grown substantially over the past decade, with stronger regional coordination and thousands receiving assistance. It also made clear that high vulnerability, low incomes and continuing demand will keep homelessness among Sacramento County’s most difficult challenges.