Valley Forum: Improved ‘counting’ methods reveal larger Sonoma homeless numbers

The official 2017 homeless count just released by Sonoma County shows a 2 percent countywide reduction in the number of homeless. Like many of my colleagues, I am pleased with this small success which occurred in Santa Rosa because of the combined efforts of the city and the nonprofits working with the homeless to open up more affordable housing (the Palms Hotel). However, there were increases in south county, west county and right here in Sonoma Valley.

In 2016, 21 homeless people were counted in the city of Sonoma; in 2017 the number rose to 91. In the unincorporated areas, primarily in the Springs, the homeless count rose from 65 to 98.

One reason for such a dramatic increase was a change in the methodology used to count the homeless. Sonoma Overnight Support staff, who helped with the count, had advised the County that what works in an urban area count does not necessarily work in a more rural area. With our encouragement, the 2017 count methodology was adjusted to accommodate our rural setting: a later starting time, better training for counters and their homeless guides, and the opportunity to review the area maps prior to the count. These changes improved the accuracy of the count.

In our area the homeless tend to avoid being counted. They hide in encampments, under bridges, in the parks or couch surf on the day of the count. Having some of our clients serve as guides increased accessibility to other homeless who were likely missed in previous counts.

This year’s count shows that our homeless population is aging. Nine percent are over 61 and another 20 percent are between the ages of 51 to 60. Currently in the SOS shelter, all the women are over 55 and the men are just slightly younger.

The main obstacle for the homeless, of course, is the lack of affordable housing, According to the report, 71 percent of the homeless cannot afford to pay current rents.

The reality is that homelessness is a major issue in Sonoma and Sonoma Valley just as it is in much of our country.

This problem cannot be solved solely by local nonprofits. We also need the concerted efforts of the city and county, members of faith communities, and other compassionate individuals to join in creating both short-term responses and long-term solutions. Our most vulnerable neighbors deserve our care.

Kathy King is the executive director of Sonoma Overnight Support.