Homeless tents at an encampment near the PATH apartment complex in Los Angeles on Nov. 17, 2021. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Fresno and Madera counties saw an increase in the unhoused population over the past couple of years, according to preliminary results of the most recent point-in-time (PIT) count for 2025.

The Fresno Madera Continuum of Care (FMCOC) analysis of the raw PIT count data in Fresno and Madera counties shows an approximately 3% increase in homelessness since 2023, when the count was last certified.

The preliminary numbers also show the number of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness increased by about 10%.

However, it is not a comprehensive count of all people experiencing homelessness served over the course of a year, according to a news release.

The 2025 count was conducted on Jan. 28 by more than 300 volunteers, including FMCOC members.

A PIT count is required during the last 10 days of January, at least biennially, to receive homeless assistance funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Fresno and Madera agencies use the data to inform policy decisions across the homeless system of care.

The FMCoC is currently working to submit the PIT count data to HUD by a June 13 deadline, with a final report including certified results coming after.

The 2023 final PIT count recorded 4,493 person experiencing homelessness, an increase of 7% from 2022.