# Homelessness and social services in Rio de Janeiro

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/homelessness-and-social-services-in-rio-de-janeiro
> Updated: 2026-08-19T11:04:09.000Z. Sources: 35. Developments: 2.

Rio de Janeiro continues to manage a significant homeless population, ranking as the second largest in Brazil. As of May 2026, CadÚnico data indicates that the state has 35,406 registered individuals, with the capital city accounting for the majority at 22,352 people. Nationally, Brazil recorded 388,855 people living on the streets, led by São Paulo with 159,290, followed by Rio de Janeiro and then Minas Gerais with 34,849.

To address these conditions, Law 9.302/21 established a State Policy for the Homeless Population intended to guarantee access to health, education, housing, and employment services while prohibiting discrimination. In support of these social objectives, the Tribunal de Justiça do Rio (TJRJ) and the Tribunal Regional Federal da 2ª Região (TRF2) conducted the fifth PopRuaJud-Rio event, providing free legal services such as assistance with birth and marriage certificates, DNA tests, and social-benefit registrations.

During the National Day of Struggle for the Homeless Population in August 2026, which commemorates the 2004 Massacre da Sé, new support initiatives were highlighted. In Rio de Janeiro, the city launched the ‘Cuidar para Viver’ program, which provides 24-hour telephone guidance and professional training for individuals struggling with alcohol and drug use. Additionally, the Unified Health System (SUS) continues to utilize ‘Consultório na Rua’ multidisciplinary teams to provide vaccination, testing, and mental health support directly in local territories. SUS reported over 700,000 consultations by these teams in 2025, with an additional 330,583 recorded in the first half of 2026.

Beyond Rio de Janeiro, local governments in João Pessoa, Salvador, Manaus, and Parauapebas also organized community actions, health drives, and social assistance to promote visibility for the unhoused population. Specific regional efforts include João Pessoa’s ‘Caravana do Cuidar’ and ‘Sedhuc’ programs, Salvador’s ‘Girassóis de Rua’ project focusing on harm reduction, and nursing care provided via ‘Consultório na Rua’ in Parauapebas.

## Claims

- Rio de Janeiro has 35,406 people registered as homeless in the CadÚnico system. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Rio de Janeiro holds the second-largest homeless population in Brazil. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- São Paulo has the largest homeless population in Brazil with 159,290 registrations. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Minas Gerais has the third-largest homeless population in Brazil with 34,849 registrations. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Law 9.302/21 established the State Policy for the Homeless Population. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The state policy guarantees access to health, education, social assistance, and housing. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Brazil had 388,855 people registered as homeless in May 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- State law prohibits discrimination in service based on economic status, race, or health conditions. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- As of May 2026, Brazil had a total of 388,855 people registered as homeless in the CadÚnico system. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- São Paulo has the highest number of registered homeless people in Brazil with 159,290. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Minas Gerais ranks third in Brazil with 34,849 registered homeless people. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Law 9.302/21 established the State Policy for the Homeless Population in Rio de Janeiro. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-19: Brazil marks National Day of Struggle for the Homeless Population

Brazil marks the National Day of Struggle for the Homeless Population with expanded SUS health services, new drug support programs in Rio, and municipal social assistance initiatives across several states.

35 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rio-de-janeiro-has-brazils-second-largest-homeless-population

### 2026-08-03: Rio de Janeiro Justice System Holds Homeless Services Fair, Converts Six Arrests to Preventive Detention

Rio's justice system ran a homeless‑services fair and placed six recent arrestees in preventive detention for drug, theft and arson offenses.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rio-de-janeiro-justice-system-holds-homeless-services-fair-converts-six-arrests-to-preventive-detent

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Cite as: Homelessness and social services in Rio de Janeiro. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/homelessness-and-social-services-in-rio-de-janeiro