Taken together, the drop in homelessness alongside population growth means Placer County’s rate of homelessness per capita now stands at 15.2 people experiencing homelessness per 10,000 residents—well below the statewide rate of approximately 48 people experiencing homelessness per 10,000 residents. Photo courtesy of Placer County

AUBURN, CA (MPG) - On April 30, the Homeless Resource Council of the Sierras released the 2026 regional Point-in-Time Count results. Following their release, Placer County is recognizing continuing challenges alongside meaningful progress in efforts to reduce homelessness and expand supportive housing, shelter capacity and behavioral health treatment. The findings show a nearly 10% decrease in homelessness in Placer County since last year, deepening decreases seen over a five-year period and reflecting the impact of Placer’s consistent and targeted investments.

“Over the past several years, we’ve worked hard to invest strategically in programs and projects that make the most difference for our residents – including many in my district – and we’re seeing those investments pay dividends,” said District 5 Supervisor Cindy Gustafson. “As more housing comes online, including the newest Homekey+ project, we look forward to continued progress that meets the unique needs of each area of the county."

Although a number of other counties have not yet published their results, Placer has consistently ranked among the lowest in the state for homelessness per capita, and early indicators suggest that position is unlikely to change. Taken together, the drop in homelessness alongside population growth means Placer County’s rate of homelessness per capita now stands at 15.2 people experiencing homelessness per 10,000 residents—well below the statewide rate of approximately 48 people experiencing homelessness per 10,000 residents.

In the last year, Placer County has:

Recently closed escrow on Carriage Court Studios, a former Auburn motel now owned by nonprofit partner AMI Housing that will be converted into approximately 55 units of permanent supportive housing. The project is supported through a $15.1 million state Homekey+ award.

Strengthened admission requirements for both the Mobile Temporary Shelter and Emergency Shelter in Auburn, ensuring the services are provided to Placer residents most in need, with priority for those from Mid Placer.

Completed the bulk of construction at Sun Rose Apartments in Roseville, ensuring that all 82 permanent supportive housing units are now fully occupied.

Received a $14.5 million grant to create a 44-bed residential addiction treatment center in Auburn, after opening a unique 16-bed recovery residence in Roseville last year.

Worked alongside city and community partners to expand low income and workforce housing.

“Placer has effectively used taxpayer dollars and aggressively pursued state and federal grants to best serve our local homeless population, but there is still more work to do,” said District 1 Supervisor Bonnie Gore. “The need for expanded shelter and services in South Placer remains, and we’re looking to build on our partnerships with cities, businesses, nonprofits, faith communities and residents. The county cannot do it alone if we want meaningful, lasting solutions.”

The work completed this year adds important resources and complements efforts from other local partners – organizations from healthcare delivery to faith-based groups to cities.