The Kern County Homeless Collaborative is cheering the results of their latest census, which shows homelessness has gone down 24% in just one year.

Chairman Carlos Baldovinos says the volunteers at private charities and better coordination between agencies have made the biggest difference. Baldovinos believes improving mental health services will help the remaining 810 homeless people get off the streets.

The Collaborative conducts a homeless count every year to help us qualify for $5 million in federal grants.

Kelli Forsch