During a recent government meeting, Berkeley officials presented a comprehensive gap analysis of the city's homelessness system of care, highlighting significant progress and ongoing challenges in addressing homelessness. The analysis, conducted by Zoe Clingman from the Goldman School of Public Policy, was prompted by a 2021 council referral to evaluate the city's services against the All Home Regional Action Plan, which aims to reduce unsheltered homelessness in the Bay Area by 75%.

Clingman reported that Berkeley has made notable strides in expanding its homelessness services, including the addition of approximately 100 new beds of permanent supportive housing and a tripling of non-congregate shelter beds. These changes have led to higher utilization rates of non-congregate shelters, which are preferred by many individuals experiencing homelessness due to safety and health concerns. The city has seen a 20% reduction in the number of people experiencing homelessness, according to the 2024 point-in-time count.

Despite these advancements, the analysis revealed persistent gaps in the system. Clingman noted that while more individuals are accessing services, the overall number of people experiencing homelessness remains concerning. The report indicated that approximately 2,000 individuals accessed services in 2022, representing about 2% of Berkeley's population. The analysis identified a critical need for targeted prevention strategies to address the root causes of homelessness, as many individuals fall into homelessness after staying with friends or family rather than from formal housing situations.

The report also highlighted systemic issues, including long wait times for housing assistance, with individuals waiting an average of nine months to be referred to housing programs. Clingman emphasized the need for increased investment in prevention and housing resources, estimating that Berkeley would require an additional $750 million over the next decade to meet the ambitious goals set forth in the regional action plan.

The meeting underscored the importance of addressing racial disparities within the homeless population, with Black and Indigenous individuals disproportionately represented among those experiencing homelessness in Berkeley. Clingman urged city officials to consider these inequities when developing future policies and programs.

Overall, the presentation provided a detailed overview of Berkeley's homelessness system, showcasing both progress and the critical need for continued investment and strategic planning to effectively combat homelessness in the city.