The number of people experiencing homelessness in Sacramento County has shot up by 30 percent since 2015, according to data released Monday by the county's homeless coalition.
Ryan Loofbourrow is the CEO of Sacramento Steps Forward, which led the homeless count. He said many people are becoming homeless because they aren't able to afford their rental units anymore.
"As the cost for that unit exceeds 30, 50 percent of their income, or their support system's income, they're experiencing homelessness," Loofbourrow said. "And that price keeps going up."
According to a national rental listing site called Apartment List, Sacramento has one of the fastest rising rental markets in the nation.
The homeless survey found the number of un-sheltered homeless surged by 85 percent.
Leaders of the county's homeless coalition say the county needs more beds in emergency shelters and more affordable housing options.
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