Redlands records third straight decline in homelessness, but unsheltered population rises

REDLANDS, Calif. — The number of people experiencing homelessness in Redlands declined for the third consecutive year, according to newly released results from San Bernardino County's 2026 Point-in-Time Count. The number of people living without shelter, however, increased slightly.

The Jan. 22 count, identified 134 people experiencing homelessness in Redlands, down from 146 in 2025 — an 8% decrease. 

The decline was driven largely by a reduction in the number of people staying in temporary shelters. The number of sheltered individuals fell nearly 36%, while the number of unsheltered people, those living on the streets, in vehicles or in tents, increased from 104 to 107, a rise of less than 3%.

Why it matters: While Redlands' overall homeless population declined, its unsheltered population moved in the opposite direction of countywide trends.

Across San Bernardino County, the Point-in-Time Count identified 3,718 adults and children experiencing homelessness, down 3.1% from 3,837 in 2025. The number of people living unsheltered fell 7.1%, from 2,636 to 2,448 people.

The annual Point-in-Time Count is a one-day survey used by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to help determine funding allocations for homeless services programs.

Details: The latest results continue a downward trend in Redlands. The city reported a 31% decrease in homelessness in 2025 and a 34% decrease in 2024.

City officials said the decline reflects investments in homeless outreach, housing and support services over the past several years.

"The City's dedicated Homeless Solutions team works with individuals and local service providers daily to find both temporary shelter and permanent housing, employment services, medical and mental health treatment and counseling," City Manager Charlie Duggan said in a statement. "All these services contribute not only to the well-being of our homeless population, but to the health and welfare of the community as a whole."

Redlands established its Homeless Solutions Office in 2022 and hired a homeless solutions manager to coordinate outreach efforts and services. That same year, the city received a $30 million state Homekey grant to convert a former motel into the Step Up in Redlands supportive housing facility.

The facility opened in January 2023 and provides permanent supportive housing and services for residents experiencing homelessness.

According to the city, Redlands has also secured more than $12 million in grant funding over the past four years to expand outreach teams, shelter beds, rapid rehousing programs, employment assistance and treatment services. The city partners with organizations including the Salvation Army, Family Service Association, Goodwill, Youth Hope and the Redlands Chamber of Commerce.

Countywide results: Although homelessness declined slightly countywide, the latest data shows the scale of the challenge remains significant.

More than three-quarters of the county's homeless population — 2,955 people, or nearly 80% — were counted in eight jurisdictions: Barstow, Colton, Fontana, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Redlands, San Bernardino and Victorville.

The number of people staying in shelters or transitional housing increased 5.7%, rising from 1,201 to 1,270 individuals, suggesting more people are accessing shelter services throughout the county.

The report also offers insight into the circumstances facing people living unsheltered. More than one-third of unsheltered adults reported becoming homeless for the first time within the previous year, while about 41% were considered chronically homeless, meaning they had experienced homelessness for at least a year while living with a disabling condition.

Nearly 29% reported having been incarcerated within the previous 12 months. Nearly two-thirds of unsheltered adults reported having no income, and more than 82% reported monthly incomes of $500 or less.