Are homeless people attracted to Sebastopol from other areas?

January 7, 2025

According to the Point-In-Time survey, 79% of homeless people lived in Sonoma County when they became homeless. Homeless people migrate throughout the county for various reasons. These include the level of enforcement and availability of services and support such as meals and shelter. Sebastopol is unique in that our downtown area is only a few blocks away from the Laguna, which provides what is perceived as a safe haven for the homeless. Based on proximity to the Laguna, they frequent the downtown Sebastopol area which has increased their visibility within the community.