People who cannot afford a place to live are at risk of homelessness

The lack of available affordable housing and the increase in the number of households living at poverty level are causes of homelessness.

Based  on the 2005 Monterey County census of the homeless population there were 1,570 homeless persons observed on the street, in emergency shelters, and transitional housing locations during the point-in-time census on January 27, 2005.  The street homeless comprised 68% of the homeless population, while the sheltered homeless accounted for 32% of the homeless population.  There were 1,264 homeless individuals (80%), and 306 persons in 94 families (20%).  This equates to an annualized estimate of homelessness of between 5,574 to 7,274 people.

 According to state and federal definitions, households are overpaying for housing if they are spending over 30% of their annual income on housing costs.  Based on data for the unincorporated areas of Monterey County, 75% of all households with incomes of $19,999 or less spend more than 30% of their income on housing. 

Only 10% of households with incomes of $100,000 or more spend more than 30% of their income on housing.

Census data and local housing elements show that the growing gap between the number of affordable housing units and the number of people needing them has created a housing crisis for the poor.     

Between 2000 and 2003, based on projected housing needs, 139 very low-income units were developed, leaving a need for 821 more by 2008.  Similarly, 144 low-income units were developed, leaving 608 needed by 2008.

Since 1993, average rental costs for a multi-family unit have increased 32%, from $792 in 1993 to $1,044 in 2002.  This poses a big problem in Monterey County since the two leading industries are agriculture and tourism.  Traditionally, both of these industries are very low paying.  In fact, the average annual income in the agricultural industry is $18,608.  This is considered very low-income for households of two or more people.

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