County on Track to Meet or Exceed Homelessness Reduction Plan Goals

Author: Board of Supervisors
Date: 3/11/2026 9:44 AM

SLO County is making measurable progress toward its goal of reducing homelessness by 50%, according to a new update on the County's Five-Year Plan to Address Homelessness. New data shows a 49% drop in chronically homeless veterans since last July and a 42% reduction in unsheltered homelessness since 2022, alongside continued expansion of affordable and supportive housing.

In nearly every category, the County is on track to meet or exceed the stated goals in the County's five-year plan, including the top-line objective of reducing homelessness by 50%.

Newly released data from the County's Homeless Services Division shows meaningful improvements, including a 49% decrease in homelessness among veterans since last July and a 42% reduction in unsheltered homelessness since 2022, according to preliminary data from the 2026 Point in Time Count.

"SLO County is making real progress because our staff, service providers, and community and city partners are working together to expand housing and strengthen prevention and outreach services," said District 4 Supervisor and Chair of the Board Jimmy Paulding.

"This is a direct result of our collaborative efforts to reduce drug addiction and fight the opioid crisis and address homelessness by expanding supportive housing, mental health services, and drug and alcohol treatment."

In a separate action, the Board also approved a grant-funded program called SLO PROP (Preventing Re-Offense Project). The program is a comprehensive initiative targeting the intersecting issues of substance use, mental health disorders, and homelessness, particularly among justice-involved individuals. The program will reduce recidivism by providing integrated mental health and drug and alcohol treatment, especially for individuals recently released from jail. One aspect of this program includes critical funding for Transitions Mental Health Association's Growing Grounds Farm.

The Homeless Services Division also reported continued progress toward the County's housing goals. In 2025 alone, 316 affordable housing units were completed, along with 63 permanent supportive housing beds and 16 interim shelter beds. Between 2023 and 2025, the County added 556 affordable housing units, putting the community more than halfway toward its goal of creating 1,667 affordable units by 2027.

In addition, the new regional Welcome Home Village project-located at the County's Public Health Campus in San Luis Obispo-is completing construction and is expected to open in May. The project will add 40 permanent supportive housing units and 14 interim beds and will be operated by Good Samaritan Shelter to provide treatment services and housing opportunities for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Paulding emphasized that the County's success in reducing homelessness is due to its commitment to balancing compassion with public health and community safety.

"In addition to getting people housed and providing more services, we're also focusing on improving the quality of life for our residents," said Paulding. "That's why we established a countywide encampment management process that has already cleared nine sites and removed more than 16,000 pounds of debris. We've also expanded overnight vehicle camping prohibitions to include Nipomo and increased enforcement."

Today, the Board also approved a new Regional Homelessness and Affordable Housing Compact, which will now go to each of San Luis Obispo County's seven incorporated cities for their signature. The compact is an effort Supervisor Paulding has championed since he came into office as it will improve coordination between the cities and the County.

"As we reach the halfway point of the County's Five-Year Plan, these results show that collaboration and sustained investment are making a difference," Paulding said.

Key Links
SLO County's Plan to Address Homelessness
Homelessness Update Staff Report & Supporting Documents
SLO PROP Program Staff Report & Supporting Documents