Philadelphia sees first drop in homelessness in two years

The City of Philadelphia’s 2026 Point‑in‑Time Count recorded 5,163 people experiencing homelessness, a 7% decline from the previous year’s 5,516. The most notable change was a 39% reduction in unsheltered individuals, falling from 1,178 to 711.

The Office of Homeless Services highlighted that the decline marks the first year‑over‑year decrease in unsheltered homelessness since the pandemic‑era surge. More people are now in shelters or transitional housing—4,452 counted—while fewer are sleeping outdoors.

Officials stressed that while the snapshot offers encouraging signs of expanded outreach, shelter investments and housing initiatives, long‑term success will depend on moving individuals into permanent supportive housing and ensuring access to health and employment services.