# Abbotsford homelessness rate decline

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/abbotsford-homelessness-rate-decline
> Updated: 2026-10-19T16:58:37.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2.

The City of Abbotsford reported a 20% decline in its annual Point-in-Time Homeless Count for 2026. The count identified 521 people experiencing homelessness, which is a decrease of 133 individuals compared to the 654 recorded in 2025. This represents the first decline in the city’s homeless population since 2011.

Of those identified, 248 were unsheltered, 223 were in emergency shelters, 28 were in hospitals without a fixed address, and 22 were in transitional housing. The city credited the reduction to collaborative efforts between local government, BC Housing, and service providers to move individuals from encampments into stable housing. This process included the closure of encampments at Cole Road, McCallum Road, Peardonville Road, and Whatcom Road. Mayor Ross Siemens stated that while the reduction is encouraging, the city will continue to update its homelessness action plan.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-19: Abbotsford reports 20% decrease in homelessness

Abbotsford's 2026 Point-in-Time count shows a 20% decrease in homelessness, with 521 people identified compared to 654 in 2025.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/abbotsford-reports-20-decrease-in-homelessness

### 2026-09-25: Abbotsford School District releases 2026-27 start-up report

The Abbotsford School District's 2026-27 report shows lower-than-expected elementary and middle school enrollment and a decrease in total teacher positions compared to last year.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/abbotsford-school-district-releases-2026-27-start-up-report

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Cite as: Abbotsford homelessness rate decline. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/abbotsford-homelessness-rate-decline