Chronically Homeless In Santa Clara County Up 11 Percent

The number of chronically homeless people living in Santa Clara County is up 11 percent over 2009, according to preliminary numbers released last week from the county's bi-annual homeless census.

Officials released the data, along with findings from the "" survey last week, during a one-stop "Project Homeless Connect" event in San Jose.

Volunteers counted 7,045 homeless residents during the FebruarySanta Clara County Homeless Census and Survey, 41 fewer people than during the same count in 2009.

While the total number decreased slightly, there were 250 more chronically homeless—for a total of 2,520—who have been without permanent housing for more than a year.

Current numbers for Cupertino have yet to be released, but the count listed 61 homeless residents in 2009, which was eight more than in 2007.

Officials at the event said that improved counting methods in the 2011 census could have contributed to the higher number of chronically homeless in the data.

The numbers in the survey reflect a point-in-time count conducted throughout the county in February. Numbers compared between 2009 and 2007 were affected by a change in definition by Housing and Urban Development as it relates to counting people who may have been in jails, hospitals or rehabilitation facilities at the time of the count.

Volunteers for the Housing 1,000 SV who surveyed areas in car and on foot along with a homeless guide, were part of a separate project from the census—an effort to record the specific needs of homeless individuals in the county.

"It upsets me that there are people dying on the streets, and we don't even know their names," says Becky Kanis, campaign director for thenationwide Housing 100,000 project.

More than 700 homeless people in 10 cities were surveyed for Housing 1,000 SV, with 271 identified to be at high risk of death because of illness or other factors.

Participants took 491 photos of the responders as part of the survey in an effort to create a way to identify and aid the homeless.

The members and local chapters of Housing 100,000 aim to house the country's 100,000 most vulnerable homeless by 2013.

The biannual homeless census is required to obtain federal funding for homeless programs.

Highlights from Housing 1000 SV

• Cities surveyed: Campbell, Cupertino, Los Altos, Los Gatos,Milpitas, Mountain View, Palo Also, San Jose, Santa Clara and Sunnyvale.
• Total people surveyed: 700.
• 36 people were homeless more than 20 years.
• The longest length of homelessness was 58 years.
• Median years of homeless for vulnerable population was six years; four for the non-vulnerable.
• 226 reported dual diagnosis of mental illness and substance abuse.
• 78 reported symptoms of mental illness.
• 217 reported history of substance abuse.
• 521 reported a behavioral health issue.
• 130 surveyed were veterans: 103 were honorably discharged, and 61 met criteria for “vulnerable.”
• 99 reported a history of foster care.
• 33 were under 25 years old, 20 with a history of foster care.
• 140 were employed.
• 143 have some sort of Social Security benefit.
• 226 reported being the victim of a violent attack since becoming homeless.
• 142 reported suffering from a brain injury.