Sacramento’s latest homelessness numbers are out, and they remind us just how much work we still have ahead of us. According to the 2026 Point-in-Time Count, approximately 7,458 individuals were experiencing homelessness across Sacramento County, an increase of roughly 13% compared to 2024. But there’s another part of the story worth paying attention to: much of that increase came from people staying in shelters or transitional housing. That tells us something important. More people are accessing shelter, but the overall need for housing and support remains enormous.
When I started Packs for Cold Backs, the goal was simple: help people going through difficult circumstances by providing essential supplies, compassion, and meaningful connections to resources. Over the years, I’ve come to believe even more strongly that homelessness cannot be addressed through one program, one organization, or one solution. A backpack filled with clothing, hygiene supplies, and food might not solve someone’s housing situation, but it can make their day a little easier. More importantly, it can create an opportunity for a conversation, a connection, or a referral to services that could make a lasting difference.
I think it’s important that we look beyond the numbers. Behind every statistic is a person with their own circumstances, challenges, and goals. Some are experiencing homelessness for the first time, while others have spent years trying to find a way back into stable housing. Having worked directly with individuals experiencing homelessness for many years, I’ve seen how different each person’s situation can be. That’s why I believe effective solutions need to recognize those differences rather than treating homelessness as though everyone is facing the same challenges.
As Sacramento continues expanding its response, we need to focus on both immediate needs and long-term solutions. That means more accessible housing, stronger prevention efforts, better coordination between service providers, and continued community involvement. It also means recognizing the role that smaller, volunteer-driven organizations can play alongside larger service providers and government agencies. No single organization can address every aspect of homelessness, but when we work together, we have a much better chance of making meaningful progress.
At Packs for Cold Backs, we’re committed to doing our part by continuing to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness and helping connect them with resources whenever possible. The numbers are important because they help us understand the scale of the challenge and evaluate whether our efforts are making a difference. But I never want us to lose sight of the fact that every number represents a real person. Ultimately, those are the people we’re here to serve.
Sources & Further Reading