The City's Annual Homelessness Count: A Mixed Bag of Benefits and Drawbacks
Every year, Philadelphia conducts a point-in-time count in late January, mandated by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. The count aims to provide policymakers with accurate numbers on homelessness, informing funding and program decisions. However, some critics argue that the timing of the count has drawbacks.
According to the latest figures, 5,516 people were experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia last year, a 6% increase from 2024. The number of unsheltered individuals, who live on the street or in places not meant for human habitation, rose by 21% to 1,178. This growing trend is attributed to the shortage of affordable housing in an increasingly expensive city.
"It's all the things that we've known for such a long time to be the key drivers of homelessness," said Candice Player, vice president of advocacy at Project HOME. "The shortage of affordable housing is a major factor. People are working, but it doesn't pay enough to afford an apartment."
Player also highlighted the ongoing addiction crisis as another significant contributor to homelessness. However, mental health and substance use issues are viewed more as contributing factors rather than direct causes.
While the point-in-time count provides valuable insights into homelessness, its timing has limitations. The count takes place during a cold winter month when people seek out vacant apartments, abandoned buildings, or cars to escape the elements. Volunteers are prohibited from entering these locations, potentially missing some individuals who require shelter. Additionally, the count does not account for seasonal fluctuations in the unsheltered population.
Furthermore, the estimate of homelessness is often considered an underestimate, particularly among racial and ethnic minorities, who are overrepresented in incarcerated populations. The count also fails to capture those experiencing homelessness but residing in hospitals, jails, or prisons.
Despite these drawbacks, city officials are working to address homelessness through various initiatives. Mayor Cherelle Parker's $2 billion plan aims to preserve and develop new housing units, implement a new mortgage program, and offer rental assistance. The city has opened several recovery housing complexes, including Riverview Wellness Village, which provides 336 beds with plans to expand to 640.
Additionally, the city is adding more shelter beds, including 1,000 extra beds by January 31, bringing the total to around 3,800. A new facility on Old York Road in Logan will provide 350 additional year-round shelter beds, with half reserved for families.
While progress is being made, experts emphasize that the point-in-time count has limitations and should not be used as a sole indicator of homelessness in Philadelphia.
Every year, Philadelphia conducts a point-in-time count in late January, mandated by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. The count aims to provide policymakers with accurate numbers on homelessness, informing funding and program decisions. However, some critics argue that the timing of the count has drawbacks.
According to the latest figures, 5,516 people were experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia last year, a 6% increase from 2024. The number of unsheltered individuals, who live on the street or in places not meant for human habitation, rose by 21% to 1,178. This growing trend is attributed to the shortage of affordable housing in an increasingly expensive city.
"It's all the things that we've known for such a long time to be the key drivers of homelessness," said Candice Player, vice president of advocacy at Project HOME. "The shortage of affordable housing is a major factor. People are working, but it doesn't pay enough to afford an apartment."
Player also highlighted the ongoing addiction crisis as another significant contributor to homelessness. However, mental health and substance use issues are viewed more as contributing factors rather than direct causes.
While the point-in-time count provides valuable insights into homelessness, its timing has limitations. The count takes place during a cold winter month when people seek out vacant apartments, abandoned buildings, or cars to escape the elements. Volunteers are prohibited from entering these locations, potentially missing some individuals who require shelter. Additionally, the count does not account for seasonal fluctuations in the unsheltered population.
Furthermore, the estimate of homelessness is often considered an underestimate, particularly among racial and ethnic minorities, who are overrepresented in incarcerated populations. The count also fails to capture those experiencing homelessness but residing in hospitals, jails, or prisons.
Despite these drawbacks, city officials are working to address homelessness through various initiatives. Mayor Cherelle Parker's $2 billion plan aims to preserve and develop new housing units, implement a new mortgage program, and offer rental assistance. The city has opened several recovery housing complexes, including Riverview Wellness Village, which provides 336 beds with plans to expand to 640.
Additionally, the city is adding more shelter beds, including 1,000 extra beds by January 31, bringing the total to around 3,800. A new facility on Old York Road in Logan will provide 350 additional year-round shelter beds, with half reserved for families.
While progress is being made, experts emphasize that the point-in-time count has limitations and should not be used as a sole indicator of homelessness in Philadelphia.
5,516 PEOPLE IS A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO NEED HELP AND IT JUST GOES TO SHOW HOW HARD IT IS TO FIND AFFORDABLE OPTIONS IN PHILADELPHIA. I FEEL SAD FOR THESE PEOPLE WHO ARE STRUGGLING TO GET BACK ON THEIR FEET. MAYBE WE SHOULD BE LOOKING INTO SOME KIND OF INTERVENTION PROGRAMS THAT COULD HELP THEM GET THE HELP THEY NEED BEFORE THEY END UP ON THE STREETS IN THE FIRST PLACE? 
I mean, it's all about the numbers right? So we got 5,516 people on the streets last year and it's a 6% increase from the previous year... that's a pretty big deal, you know? But at the same time, I'm not surprised. Philly is one of those cities where prices are through the roof and wages aren't keeping up. It's like, what's the point of working if you can barely scrape together rent?
. And don't even get me started on the fact that volunteers can't enter some of these places where people might be hiding out for warmth 
. I'm all for getting a count, but come on, can't we do it in the spring or summer when it's not freezing outside? That way, we might actually get an accurate number 
. It's like, let's try to get a better picture of this issue before we start making decisions 
. It's a step in the right direction, even if it's not gonna solve everything overnight. Let's hope these recovery housing complexes do some real good 
! That $2 billion plan from Mayor Parker sounds like a total game-changer 
, and it's awesome that the city is opening more recovery housing complexes and adding shelter beds 
. I mean, 3,800 beds now? That's like, totally on point 
.
. And, yeah, the estimate is always gonna be an underestimate, especially with those incarcerated populations 
.
Philly's definitely taking a step in the right direction, and I'm hyped to see what else they come up with 
!