San Diego, CA – Recent data from the Regional Task Force on Homelessness (RTFH) indicates a notable reduction in the number of people experiencing homelessness across San Diego County and within the city itself. The 2025 Point-in-Time Count revealed a 7% drop in homelessness county-wide and a nearly 14% decrease in the city of San Diego compared to the previous year. This marks a significant shift, with officials attributing the progress to various regional strategies and investments.
The reported decline comes as public figures continue to voice concerns about urban conditions. Comedian and media personality Adam Carolla recently shared his perspective on social media, stating, > "I am in San Diego it is a homeless shit show. Is the plan we need to win so we can ruin all the cities? I don’t get it at some point don’t they want to live in the cities they are ruining?" This tweet reflects a sentiment held by some observers regarding the visible impact of homelessness in urban centers.
Despite the recent positive trend in the 2025 count, the region still faces substantial challenges. The 2024 count had reported an increase, with 10,605 people experiencing homelessness in San Diego County, including 6,110 unsheltered individuals, marking the largest unsheltered count in recent history at that time. Contributing factors to homelessness in the region include high housing costs, mental health issues, and substance use.
San Diego has implemented various initiatives to address the crisis, including the opening of safe sleeping and safe parking sites, and efforts to increase shelter capacity. Mayor Todd Gloria has pledged to expand shelter options, and the city has explored programs like Project Homekey to convert hotels into permanent housing. While these efforts are aimed at providing immediate relief and long-term solutions, the debate over their effectiveness and scale continues.
The RTFH emphasizes that while progress is being made, the challenge remains substantial, with too many individuals still experiencing homelessness for the first time. Organizations like Father Joe's Villages and Serving Seniors highlight the ongoing need for comprehensive solutions, including preventing homelessness and supporting vulnerable populations such as veterans and seniors. The city and county continue to collaborate on strategies, aiming for further reductions and sustainable outcomes.