The City of Glendale’s 2020 Homeless Count was a collaborative effort between the City of Glendale, the Glendale Homeless Continuum of Care, homeless alumni, and community volunteers. The results of the 2020 Homeless Count provide information that serves as the basis for two important priorities: understanding the nature and extent of the current trends in homelessness in the City of Glendale and responding to the unmet needs and gaps in services for homeless individuals and families in the City of Glendale.

On Jan. 22, 169 persons were homeless according to the Glendale 2020 Homeless Count and Survey Final Report. The previous homeless count and subpopulation survey was completed in 2019 during which 243 persons were counted. A comparison of the last two counts reveals that 74 fewer persons were counted in 2020, which represents a decrease of 30%. Despite this decrease, it is unclear whether there will be an increase in the number of homeless due to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Loss of employment has always been one of the primary factors contributing to homelessness in the City of Glendale; therefore, homelessness may escalate if the unemployment levels remain higher than the long-term average. Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the California Unemployment Rate is at 15.50% as of April 30, compared to 5.50% last month and 4.20% last year. This is significantly higher than the long-term average of 7.20%.

According to Glendale’s 2020 Homeless Count Survey, 44 out of the 75 (59%) unsheltered persons became homeless for the first time. The Homeless Count Survey revealed that the top three causes of first-time homelessness in Glendale are: rent increase, loss of employment, and unexpected illness.

The City of Glendale’s homeless services team continues to implement new programming, including various hotel programs funded by the Emergency Solutions Grant – CARES Act (ESG-CV) to address the impacts of COVID-19, and will continue to utilize funds to ensure clients in hotel programs are referred to prioritized housing.

The City of Glendale continues its efforts to end homelessness in the community, and based on the 2020 Homeless Count results, has produced 10 recommendations that can be accessed via
its website www.glendaleca.gov and entering homeless count 2020 in the
search bar.