Palm Springs Conducts Annual Homeless Count Amid Decrease in Street Encampments

The city of Palm Springs conducted its annual homeless count this morning with the participation of local officials, including the mayor, police and fire chiefs, and dozens of volunteers. The count, which is an important part of understanding the scope of homelessness in the region, saw volunteers walking the streets of the Coachella Valley, tallying the number of homeless individuals within city limits.

This year, volunteers were surprised by the relatively low number of homeless individuals compared to previous counts. According to several volunteers, the number of people counted was significantly smaller than in past years, which they attribute to the positive effects of the city’s recent ban on homeless encampments. Once home to over 100 encampments, Palm Springs now sees fewer of these temporary shelters on its streets.

Local business owner Dee Dee Wilson-Barton, who has dedicated seven years to the event, highlighted the importance of understanding the diverse needs of homeless individuals, ranging from mental health issues to the desire to return to their roots. Through collaboration between community groups and local agencies, efforts to address homelessness have grown stronger over the years. The results of this year’s count will be released in the coming months and will play a crucial role in determining how state and federal resources are allocated for housing and social services programs.