Research Findings
As of Most Recent Census
DEMOGRAPHICS:
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Homeless persons counted in SLO county in a single day in 2019 increased by 32 percent compared to 2017
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One Day census in 2019 counted 1483 homeless persons throughout SLO county
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79 percent of persons counted where unsheltered
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21 percent were sheltered
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Less than 10 percent were veterans
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Most homeless persons were either from SLO county or had a connection to SLO county
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74 percent became homeless while living in SLO county
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In 2017 the total homeless count was 1125
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The National low income housing coalition found that fair market rent for a two bedroom apartment in SLO county increased by 17.8 percent from 2017 to 2019, while the average hourly wage for renters increased by only 9.2 percent
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There are currently only two year-round emergency shelters in SLO county, ECHO shelter in Atascadero and 40 Prado facility in SLO. The combined capacity is about 150 beds.
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The 2019 San Luis Obispo County Homeless Census and Survey Report can be found at www.slocounty.ca.gov.
CURRENT PLANS FOR SLO COUNTY:
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The city has created 7 donation meters in downtown SLO as an alternative to giving money to panhandlers
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The SLO Homeless Services Oversight Council is currently coordinating efforts between social services, medical services, counseling, and emergency services to create a database of the homeless population in SLO and lead a coordinated assistance effort
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The city is coordinating funding from the CDBG program to provide affordable and low-income housing throughout the city
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The city is currently piloting a safe parking program that would allow cars to stay on selected property areas overnight w/o penalty
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The city is pursuing grants-in-aid programs to provide funding for local nonprofits in SLO, such as hunger and health services
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The city has created a homeless services center downtown to provide job training and classes, organized by CAPSLO
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Requiring a percentage of all new housing developments are low income, or otherwise making the developer pay in-lieu to benefit homelessness