Jurisdictions in San Joaquin County have added 339 new homeless shelter beds in the past four years.

That detail is part of an independent review of the county’s emergency shelters in a report the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors received last Tuesday.

The report looks at how many beds are available, how the shelters are run, and how well they serve people who need a safe place to stay. 

It gives fact-based findings to help the County improve its work to reduce homelessness and to hold itself accountable with real results.

“Our goal is to create the best possible outcomes for people experiencing homelessness, treating everyone with dignity and respect, while also ensuring our neighborhoods are safe and clean,” noted Board Chair Paul Canepa. “These investments and improvements bring us closer to achieving that balance.”

 Since 2021, the County has invested more than $56 million in emergency shelter operations, construction, and upgrades.

• These investments have supported:
• 339 new shelter beds across the County
• Upgrades to existing shelter facilities
• Strengthened partnerships with local service providers
• The evaluation highlights system changes and needs, including:
• More non-congregate shelter beds for adults, which intentionally gives people more privacy and safety
• Continued growth of shelter options in cities across the County
• Increased demand for shelter, as more people are seeking help
•  More complex client needs, including behavioral health, medical conditions, and age-related challenges