The largest segment of homeless in the Santa Barbara area is women, according to outreach group Doctors Without Walls - Santa Barbara Street Medicine.
They say reasons for the increase in are in part due to financial issues, as well as the loss of a spouse or the end of employment.
The organization offers a free mobile clinic as an outreach solution three Fridays a month.
Food is donated by an organic soup kitchen, and transition houses are open for laundry needs, counseling, and medical care.