Berkeley Homelessness Falls As Bay Area Experiences Surge

BERKELEY, CA — Berkeley experienced a 5 percent drop in homelessness compared to 2019 as most of the Bay Area experienced a surge, according to newly released data, and the East Bay city’s mayor touted the accomplishment Monday.

Alameda County experienced a 22 percent spike in homelessness over the same period, according to the Alameda County Point-In-Time (PIT) Count.

Homelessness in Marin rose 8 percent amid the pandemic, San Jose's homeless population grew 11 percent over the same period, The San Francisco Chronicle reports.

“The Point in Time Count reflects the incredible work we are doing in Berkeley to lift people out of homelessness,” Mayor Jesse Arreguín said in a statement.

Arreguín cited Measure P, which voters passed in 2018, which raises funds through transfer taxes on properties that sell for over $1.5 million, raising approximately $6 million to $8 million for homeless services, as a key factor in Berkeley's success.

“I want to thank Berkeley voters for approving Measure P in 2018,” Arreguín said.

“This resource is being used to fund services that are truly making an impact in people's lives. Despite these successes, there is much more work to be done.

“Countywide, homelessness has gone up 22%, showing that we need a regional approach to truly make a difference. Under the Alameda County Home Together Community Plan, cities are collaborating to apply successes, such as those that have been realized in Berkeley, at a countywide level.”