A new census found fewer people living along the San Diego Riverbed this month, including the stretch that reaches Walker Preserve in Santee, according to KPBS Public Media.

The San Diego River Park Foundation counted 195 people experiencing homelessness along the riverbed from Ocean Beach to Santee during its spring census, down from 252 in April 2025. Rachel Downing, the foundation’s Clean River Program Manager, told KPBS the decline marks progress, while noting that 195 people is still too many.

The census used 18 teams of volunteers, interns and staff members to cover the riverbed. The goal is to give policymakers and service providers a clearer count of people living near the river so outreach and housing resources can be targeted more effectively.

KPBS reported that PATH, which is contracted by the city of San Diego, also assists during the count. PATH data showed 71 entries into permanent housing from April 1, 2025, through April 23, 2026, though that figure only reflects the city of San Diego portion of the riverbed and does not include transitional housing.

For Santee residents, the count matters because the San Diego River corridor runs through the city and connects local open space, trails and stormwater areas to a much larger regional challenge. The latest numbers suggest outreach is helping, but the riverbed remains a key place to watch for homelessness, environmental cleanup and public safety work.