Everyone Counts in San Clemente!

Addressing Homelessness in San Clemente: Moving Forward Together

The recently released 2026 Point-in-Time Count provides both encouraging

news and a challenge for our community.

Countywide, Orange County recorded a 13.7% decrease in homelessness

compared to 2024, including a 27% reduction in the unsheltered

population. These numbers reflect the impact of coordinated efforts by

service providers, outreach workers, shelters, permanent supportive

housing programs, and community partners working together to help people

move off the streets and into safer living situations.

The Point-in-Time Count was organized by Everyone Counts OC and the

Orange County Office of Care Coordination. More than 1,300 volunteers

participated across Orange County from January 27 through January 29,

mapping and surveying unhoused residents to provide an accurate snapshot

of homelessness throughout the county.

While Orange County is making measurable progress, San Clemente faces a

different reality.

The 2026 count identified 74 unsheltered individuals and 39 sheltered

individuals in our city, for a total homeless population of 113 people.

Unlike many neighboring South Orange County communities that experienced

decreases, San Clemente saw an increase in both sheltered and

unsheltered homelessness compared to 2024.

I had the opportunity to participate as a volunteer during the late

evening shift on January 29. Along with other volunteers, I met at the

Laguna Niguel Library Community Center, where we received maps

identifying locations throughout San Clemente where individuals

experiencing homelessness were known to stay. We then traveled

throughout the city, making contact with people living outdoors,

listening to their stories, and conducting surveys.

What struck me most was that each person we encountered had a story.

Many were experiencing significant health challenges, mental health

conditions, disabilities, or economic hardships. Some had recently lost

housing. Others were struggling to navigate systems of care. Many

expressed a desire for shelter, stability, and support.

These encounters reinforced an important truth: homelessness is not

simply a housing issue. It is often a health care issue, a behavioral

health issue, and a social services issue. Effective solutions require

all of these systems working together.

San Clemente has dedicated people already making a difference. The work

of outreach specialists Carly and Troy, our local shelter and permanent

supportive housing programs, Family Assistance Ministries, county

service providers, faith communities, and community volunteers

demonstrates that compassionate, coordinated intervention can change lives.

We must continue building on these efforts. We should expand prevention

programs that help residents remain housed, increase access to

supportive and affordable housing opportunities, strengthen partnerships

with county, state, and federal agencies, and pursue innovative

solutions that use public resources wisely and effectively.

Many individuals experiencing homelessness are also experiencing a

health crisis without access to recuperative care, treatment, or

supportive services. Meeting people where they are and reducing barriers

to care improves outcomes not only for those individuals but for the

entire community.

As we move forward, let us commit to thoughtful policies, measurable

outcomes, and evidence-based solutions. Let us continue investing in

prevention, care, treatment, and housing stabilization. Most

importantly, let us remember that every person counted represents a

human being deserving of dignity, opportunity, and hope.

Everyone Counts.

When we work together to uplift the most vulnerable members of our

community, San Clemente becomes stronger, safer, and healthier for everyone.