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Homelessness in Fresno and Madera Counties

According to the Fresno Bee's coverage of the 2026 Point-In-Time (PIT) Homeless Count, preliminary results indicate that 3,250 people were experiencing homelessness across Fresno and Madera counties. This total includes 1,619 individuals who were unsheltered and 1,635 who were staying in shelters. Because the Point-In-Time Count relies on participation from individuals experiencing homelessness, these preliminary figures may not capture the full scope of homelessness within the region.

Even with this limitation, the 2026 results represent a significant improvement compared to the 2025 Point-In-Time Count, which identified 4,905 people experiencing homelessness across Fresno and Madera counties—a 9.2% increaseover the 2023 count. Of those counted in 2025, 3,042 (62%) were unsheltered, while 1,863 were sheltered.

A full executive summary of the 2026 Point-In-Time Count is not yet available. The information below summarizes the findings from the 2025 Point-In-Time Homeless Count.

2025 Point-In-Time Homeless Count Highlights

At the time of the 2025 count:

  • 4,905 individuals were experiencing homelessness in Fresno and Madera counties.

  • 3,042 (62%) were unsheltered.

  • 1,693 (35%) were staying in an emergency shelter.

  • 170 (3%) were enrolled in a transitional housing program.

Household Composition:

  • 4,304 (91%) were adult-only households.

  • 126 (9%) were households with at least one adult and one child.

  • 1 (<1%) was an unaccompanied minor who presented to shelter.

Among individuals experiencing homelessness:

  • 68% identified as male.

  • 31% identified as female.

  • Less than 1% identified as transgender, questioning, non-binary, genderfluid, or agender. (This is no longer required data for HUD Point-In-Time reporting.)

Health and Wellness:

  • Of the 4,905 individuals counted:

  • 1,446 (29%) reported having a substance use disorder.

  • 1,526 (31%) reported having a serious mental illness.

Additional Population

Characteristics:

  • Among the homeless population:

  • 1,494 (30%) were chronically homeless, meaning they had experienced homelessness for one year or longer and had at least one disabling condition.

  • 281 (5%) were under the age of 18.

  • 263 (5%) were age 64 or older.

  • Among homeless adults:

  • 365 (7%) identified as survivors of domestic violence.

  • 188 (3%) were U.S. military veterans.

  • 74 (1%) reported living with an HIV/AIDS-related illness

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