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Adopt and present a resolution recognizing December 21, 2024, as National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day in Solano County (Supervisor Vasquez)
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
Supervisor Vasquez requests the Board adopt and present a resolution recognizing December 21, 2024, as National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day in Solano County.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
For more than three decades, the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Health Care for the Homeless Council have designated the winter solstice, typically the twenty-first day of December of each year, as National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day. Hunger and homelessness continue to present serious challenges for public agencies and community groups, in Solano County, and across the nation, who seek to address the problem. An ongoing housing crisis also contributes to the potential for more people to live and die without shelter.
According to the January 31, 2024 Solano County Homeless Census and Survey (point-in-time count), it is estimated that 1,725 people were either living in shelters (289 people) or on the streets (1,436 people) of Solano County. This is an increase of 546 people (46.3%) from the last full Unsheltered PIT count conducted in 2022. While the number of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness has increased in the 2024 count, the report notes that this may be reflective of more people experiencing homelessness, but also may be at least partially attributed to how the count was conducted. Overall, in 2024 there were 216 registered volunteers to assist with the count, up from 130 registered volunteers in 2022-a 66% increase. This leads to a more thorough canvassing of count areas and ideally a more accurate count.
According to the Solano County Sheriff's Office, 46 homeless deaths have been reported and/or investigated by the Sheriff/Coroner's Office in 2024 (figu...
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