Sheyanne N Romero|Visalia Times-Delta
Tulare County's growing homeless population has been discussed countless times by county and city officials.
A new report byKings/Tulare Homeless Alliance sheds light on the regional problem.
The2019 Point in Time Count found that in the bi-county region homelessness has increased by 11% from 2018.All but one city, Porterville,in Kings and Tulare counties experienced an increase in homelessness, according to the report.
An even more startling number is how quickly the population is growing.Since a "low-point" in 2013, homelessness has more than doubled,according to the report.
Advocates and elected officials are working toward viable solutions to combat the growing problem.
"I'm saddened to see that despite efforts countywide, the percentage has gone up across the county," said Tulare Mayor Jose Sigala, whose city saw a 27%increase.
The count
Each year, the Alliance countsthe number of people experiencing homelessness in Kings and Tulare counties.
The information collected is usedto "better understand the issues associated with homelessness, including causes of homelessness, service needs of the homeless, the region’s unmet housing needs, and trends over time of homelessness in the region," according to the report.
The 2019 count was held on Jan. 23.There were1,069 people living in the region experiencing homelessness, according to the report.
That number could be greater as there are many challenges faced when accounting for the homeless population, Alliance officials stated.
"I don't feel that's an accurate number," Sigala said. "But, it gives us an idea of the challenges ahead as we tackle this issue."
In 2018, there were 552,830 people experiencing homelessness across the nation, according to the HUD’s 2018 Annual Homeless Assessment Report.
Hanford — .43% —and Visalia — .39% —exceeded the state and national averages of .35% and .18%, according to the Alliance. Tulare and Porterville also exceeded the national average, but only slightly.
In 2018, the Kings/Tulare region had the fourth-highest rate (67%) of unsheltered homelessness in the nationof those with Continuumof Cares (CoCs)categorized as “Other Largely Urban CoCs”.
The big picture
Three out of every four people experiencing homelessness in the bi-county region live in Tulare County, according to the report.
However, the picture in Kings County is just as bleak.
Homelessness in Kings County now represents 23% of the total bi-county homeless population. In 2018, only 18% of thehomeless population lived inKings County.
But, over the last year, that number has increased by 43%, according to the report. In 2018, 175 people were counted as homeless compared to 250 in January.
Homelessness has long been an issue for Visalia andTulare.
Encampments along the railroadtracks in Tulare have served as a hiding place for many people. However, with an increase in population, encampments are becoming larger and more visible.
Once encampments became more visible,Tulare city officials addressed the issue as a city.Council members Sigala and Terry Sayre created an ad hoc committee to address the city's needs and way to work collaboratively with the county.
"We are already partnering with the county," said Councilwoman Terry Sayre in an April interview. "We are definitely not trying to create a little island alone. We just want to get the voice of Tulare to be heard at the county level."
Visalia remainsthe epicenter of homelessness in Tulare County, accounting for 48% percent of the population.
This year, roughly 481 people were counted as homeless in Visalia.Visalia has the highest rate of people who are experiencing homelessness sleeping in sheltered locations (38%).
Housing remains scarce
Despite the number of homeless increasing, the total number of homeless beds has remainedunchanged — 795 in 2019 versus790 in 2013, according to the report.
"The number of people experiencing homelessness in Kings and Tulare
counties is on the rise," stated in the report."Without permanent housing solutions, homelessness will continue to increase."
OnJan. 23, there were 367 people living in permanent supportive housing and rapid re-housingthat would have otherwise been counted as homeless, according to the Alliance.
In the region,there are 268 permanent supportive housing beds and 105 rapid re‐housing beds available — nearly all are being used.
There are26 permanent supportivebeds were under development.
The report also found:
- Nine out of every ten (90%) people with a disabling condition are sleeping in a place not meant for "human habitation."
- Nearly all people experiencing chronic homelessnessare sleeping in unsheltered situations — 288 people.
- Nationally, 35% of the homeless population are sleeping in unsheltered situations. In Kings and Tulare counties, unsheltered homelessness is at 73%.
- Over half of the respondents indicated they have a mental health condition.
- Nine out of every 10 people experiencing chronic homelessness have a disabling condition, yet only 27% receive Social Security benefits.
Sheyanne Romero covers Tulare County public safety, local government and business for the Visalia Times-Delta and Tulare Advance-Register newspapers. Follow her on Twitter @sheyanne_VTD. Get alerts and keep up on all things Tulare County for as little as $1 a month. Subscribe today.
