The number of people experiencing homelessness that accessed California’s homelessness response system, Continuums of Care, increased 87% from 182,680 in 2017 to 337,734 in 2023.

This quick reference guide looks at available data on people experiencing homelessness in California and at their hospital and emergency department (ED) use.

Key findings of people experiencing homelessness include:

• In 2023, 48% reported a disabling condition (which includes physical, mental, or emotional impairment that has a long-term disabling effect; a development disability; HIV/AIDs; or injury/illness incurred or aggravated during military service).
• In California, 21% were under 18 and 55% were male.
• They accounted for 3.3% of all hospitalizations and 2.9% of all ED visits in 2019-2020.
• Medi-Cal was the expected payer for 64% of hospitalizations and ED visits for people experiencing homelessness.