Homelessness Up 9.2% in Fresno-Madera Region, New 2025 Count Shows

The Fresno Madera Continuum of Care has released data from its 2025 Point in Time Count showing a 9.2% increase in homelessness across the Fresno-Madera region compared to 2023 figures. The count, conducted on January 28, 2025, includes both sheltered and unsheltered individuals.

The release of this data was delayed for months after preliminary results were submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on May 19, 2025. While the Fresno Madera Continuum of Care had locally validated the information, it withheld public release because HUD did not post any 2025 Point in Time information publicly for several months. The local data was released only after HUD publicly posted a national report that included the Fresno-Madera numbers.

Local leaders are urging caution in interpreting the results, citing both the significant delay in the data and challenges with the historical methodology used to collect it. The increase reflects ongoing challenges with housing availability, affordability, and other factors contributing to homelessness in early 2025.

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In response to methodology concerns, the Fresno Madera Continuum of Care implemented a new survey-based approach for the 2026 Point in Time Count, replacing the previous visual tally process. Because of this major change, the 2026 count will serve as a new regional baseline for future planning and evaluation.

“The 2026 methodology represents an important evolution in how our region understands and responds to homelessness,” said Fresno Madera Continuum of Care Chair Laura Moreno. “While historical counts provided valuable trend information, the enhanced survey-based approach will allow our communities to make more informed decisions about resource allocation, program development, housing interventions, and long-term system planning.”

The Fresno Madera Continuum of Care works in partnership with Fresno and Madera counties and the cities of Fresno and Clovis. A detailed 2025 Point in Time report is available at fresnomaderahomeless.org.

The Breakdown

• The 2025 count found a 9.2% increase in homelessness compared to 2023 across the Fresno-Madera region
• The count was conducted in January 2025 but not publicly released until months later due to HUD delays
• Local officials caution that the data is significantly delayed and was collected using a methodology that has since been replaced
• The 2026 count introduced a new survey-based methodology that will serve as a new baseline for future comparisons
• Point in Time counts are conducted annually but represent only one measure of homelessness

What This Means for You

This data provides a snapshot of homelessness in Fresno and Madera counties as of early 2025, showing the scale of housing and affordability challenges facing the region. However, because the methodology changed for the 2026 count, direct comparisons between this data and future counts will not be possible. The new survey-based approach should provide more comprehensive information to guide local decisions about homeless services, housing programs, and resource allocation in your community.