July 2022 Point in Time Count Underscores Need for Resources to Address Homelessness

Data from the July 2022 Point in Time (PIT) count, organized by Homeward and conducted by the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care (GRCoC), found that 447 people were experiencing homelessness in the Richmond region. The number of people experiencing homelessness decreased by 36 percent compared to the PIT count in July 2021. One reason for the decline in homelessness was the planned closure of pandemic-related shelter programs earlier this year. The need remains, but available resources have declined in 2022.

The July 2022 PIT count identified 243 people staying in area shelters, including 85 people in families.

Additionally, low rental vacancy rates and lack of deeply affordable housing remain critical challenges in our region. Even more resources are necessary to address homelessness and the increased need among our region’s most vulnerable neighbors.

Unsheltered Homelessness Continues to Rise

Although the total number of people experiencing homelessness decreased compared to July 2021, the July 2022 PIT count revealed an ongoing rise in unsheltered homelessness. Increases in unsheltered homelessness are typical during summer PIT counts as more people are likely to be unsheltered in summer months. Yet, the level of unsheltered homelessness in our region reached the highest point ever recorded with 204 people experiencing unsheltered homelessness during the July 2022 PIT count. This level of unsheltered homelessness is 3.5 percent higher than the July 2021 PIT count.

Additionally, about one-third of individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness are 55 years old or older.

The high number of individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness indicates the need for housing-focused shelter programs and homes that everyone can afford. Addressing unsheltered homelessness should be a priority for our region and additional resources should be directed to existing shelter programs with a documented record of effectiveness. 

Multiple Challenges Ahead

Along with the continued rise in individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness, our region faces a number of challenges to effectively address homelessness. Three challenges, in particular, are worth noting. First, the end of some rental assistance programs and other protections that were implemented during the pandemic have resulted in more individuals and families living on the edge of homelessness.

Second, significant increases in rental rates and the persistence of historically low vacancy rates have yielded more housing instability throughout the Richmond region. Third, our region’s coordinated system of homeless services is confronting broader operational challenges impacting many sectors. For example, shelter capacity is constrained by staffing issues and the ongoing impact of COVID resurgences.

Local programs to address homelessness, coordinated through the GRCoC, have a proven track record of success. These efforts make a difference and need broad community support to ensure that all our neighbors have a place to call home where they can thrive. 

Where Can I Get More Information?

Additional information about the July 2022 PIT count 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, Executive Director of Homeward, at kkhorne@homewardva.org or 804-909-1041.