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St. Johns Continuum of Care reports uptick in unsheltered count; aging population of people experiencing homelessness grows
Summary
The Continuum of Care presented the 2026 Point‑In‑Time count: total 367 (177 sheltered, 190 unsheltered), an increase in unsheltered individuals and a notable rise in the 55+ cohort; staff highlighted methodology changes and called for continued coordination.
Hannah Evans, HMIS program coordinator for the St. Johns Continuum of Care, briefed the commission on the 2026 Point‑In‑Time (PIT) count. The count recorded 367 individuals countywide for the night surveyed: 177 sheltered and 190 unsheltered, a year‑over‑year increase in unsheltered persons.
Evans explained methodology improvements — new software, expanded survey coverage and updated volunteer coordination — and cautioned that the PIT is a single‑night snapshot. Key demographic shifts included an increase in the aging population (55+) from 68 in 2024 to 116 in 2026 and a decrease in youth counts. The report also noted that among respondents who answered optional questions, relationship breakdown, financial problems and lack of affordable housing were the leading contributing factors.
Why it matters: The PIT informs local providers and funders and guides allocation of housing and support services. Commissioners asked about services for adults versus families, chronic homelessness counts (41 in 2026), and how to improve engagement for people on the by‑name list who were not surveyed.
What’s next: Staff will return with more detailed analyses and recommendations; commissioners encouraged continued reporting so the commission can assess programs, funding and service gaps.
