The growing costs of housing, utilities, and food present financial strain, and when combined with an argument, illness, loss of family support, or a job, or numerous other variables can be the deciding factor in whether we have a roof over our heads or not. In Tulare County from 2013 to 2022, we experienced a 91% increase in homelessness. During the same time period, the state of California experienced a 114%  increase while the United States recorded an increase of only 7%. 

Myths about homelessness abound, such as people are being bused in or they're homeless due to substance abuse or mental illness. Research on this issue has shown 90% of people experiencing homelessness in California are from California, and while behavioral health and substance use can contribute to housing instability, we have not seen significant changes in self-reported rates of these issues among our local unhoused neighbors. What then is the driver in California?

Learn more by watching the video below. 

 

 

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Author

Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency