Homeward Releases Data about Homelessness in the Richmond Region Based on the January 2026 Point in Time Count

Notably, our region’s network of year-round shelters increased capacity and served more people recorded by the PIT count than last year. The total number of individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the Richmond region staying in year-round shelters was 363 people in the January 2026 PIT count compared to 326 people in 2025. Our regional year-round shelter system, which includes 16 shelter programs operated by local nonprofits, increased the number of people served by 11 percent.

Seasonal shelters and warming centers that were operational during the PIT count – such as the Inclement Weather Shelter operated by The Salvation Army, the Surge Shelter operated by CARITAS, and others – served 255 people compared to 184 people during the January 2025 PIT count. Extreme winter weather, including extensive and dangerous ice, resulted in the opening of additional seasonal resources.

Shelter is one of many tools that our region uses to address homelessness. As year-round and seasonal shelters supported more people, the demand for homeless services continues to be significant. Homeward data shows that 5,538 individuals were served between July 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025 by agencies in the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care (GRCoC), our region’s collaborative and compassionate network of nonprofits and local governments, through programs such as rapid rehousing, permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, and other housing services.

“These results are a snapshot of homelessness and demonstrate the high level of need in our community and increasing pressure on community safety nets,” said Kelly King Horne, Chief Executive Officer with Homeward, which manages PIT counts as the planning agency for the GRCoC. “Our regional homeless services system has expanded capacity to help more people receive assistance during times of crisis. Year-round providers focus on helping our neighbors get on the pathway to a permanent home. The slight reduction in homelessness shows the effectiveness of proven programs to help people access resources, but the level of need continues rise rapidly as more and more people are pushed to the brink and into homelessness.”

Similar to recent PIT counts, the primary reason for homelessness as reported by participants via surveys was related to economic hardship. Financial challenges – including unemployment, eviction, and cost of housing – accounted for 47 percent of the primary reason for homelessness. Breakdown in family relationships was the second most common reason at 18 percent.

As a result of extreme weather and road conditions in late January, the PIT count was confined to indoor shelters as allowed in federal regulations. Temporary, seasonal shelters and warming sites, including designated hotels, were open and took part in the count.

Horne added: “It’s important to note that the PIT count is just one piece of the picture in our community and does not capture other regional residents who are unstably housed, forced to move frequently, or worried about maintaining a roof over their head.”

Ongoing coordination by the GRCoC is critical to supporting our most vulnerable neighbors. GRCoC members serve over 1,000 people each day in our region through housing and shelter programs. In 2025, GRCoC agencies served over 8,900 people experiencing homelessness or within three days of losing their housing. Without these critical services, the rate of homelessness would rise exponentially. For more information on the GRCoC and its impact, read the GRCoC Annual Report.

Additional information about the January 2026 PIT count, including multiple charts and other data visualization, is available on Homeward’s PIT webpage. This page is updated with the latest data from the count. For media inquiries or questions about the PIT count, please contact Kelly King Horne at kkhorne@homewardva.org.