https://www.siliconvalley.com/2022/01/13/once-again-covid-delays-crucial-homeless-census-in-the-bay-area-2/

Bay Area counties once again are postponing an important census count of homeless residents as they grapple with staffing and volunteer shortages — and worry over how to keep participants safe during the latest COVID surge.

The point-in-time counts, which normally are conducted every other year, play a vital role in gathering data about our region’s growing homeless population, formatting aid programs and determining our federal funding allocations. That data is especially crucial now, as the pandemic has upended the economy and social service nets. By now, the Bay Area’s most recent point-in-time data is three years old.