The number of people experiencing homelessness in the District of Columbia has decreased nearly 20 percent. While the public health emergency has had an impact on system inflow, investments in prevention, housing, and creating more efficient programs are having an impact.
On any given night there are 5,111 homeless persons in the District of Columbia:
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681 unsheltered persons (i.e. persons “on the street”);
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3,352 persons in Emergency Shelters; and
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1,078 persons in Transitional Housing facilities.
Below are some key factors that affect a person's vulnerability for homelessness.
Demographics
A person’s age, ethnicity, gender, and race will all affect how they engage the homeless services system.
Health and Disabilities
Overall, the health of individuals still being served by the homeless services system is poor.
Experiences
A person’s experience with domestic violence, the foster care system, and institutional settings can affect how they interact with the homeless services system.
Income & Employment
Most individuals experiencing homelessness are unable to obtain an income that can support their housing either through employment or benefit programs.
Subpopulations
While the number of transitional age youth, veterans, and those who identify as LGBTQ+ is relatively small, understanding the ways in which these populations engage with the homeless services system is critical.
Point-in-Time (PIT) Dashboard
