Summer Point in Time Count Provides Insights on Homelessness in the Richmond Region

Richmond, VA – September 7, 2023 – Data from the July 2023 Point in Time (PIT) count continue to show a significant number of individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the Richmond region. The region’s level of homelessness has remained high since the COVID pandemic because need outpaces capacity of local human services assistance programs and affordable housing resources. Additional investment in the regional homeless assistance network is necessary to serve those experiencing homelessness today and to reduce the level of homelessness in the future.

The July 2023 PIT count recorded 486 people experiencing homelessness, which is 8.7 percent higher than the 447 people recorded in the July 2022 PIT count.

The number of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness – defined as people staying outdoors, in cars, and other places not meant for habitation – remains much higher than our region’s historic average before the COVID pandemic. The July 2023 PIT count recorded 181 people experiencing unsheltered homelessness.

“It’s important to remember that these numbers represent real people, our neighbors facing the trauma of homelessness,” said Kelly King Horne, Executive Director with Homeward, which manages PIT counts as the planning agency for the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care (GRCoC). “The findings from the Summer 2023 PIT count should be a call to action to continue our region’s compassionate response to homelessness and invest in proven solutions.”

Housing Surge

In response to the data collected during the July 2023 PIT count, the GRCoC – our region’s coordinated and compassionate network of homeless service providers – has launched a housing surge initiative. This program is currently underway and will continue through December. The goal is to move 50 people off the streets and into permanent housing by the holidays.

Many GRCoC partner agencies are involved in this initiative and working to get 50 people currently living on the streets into a permanent home.

“The housing surge is a direct response to the increased need GRCoC agencies are seeing,” said Michael Rogers, Systems and Continuum of Care Director with Homeward. “This initiative is supplementing the existing and extensive work already done by GRCoC agencies and will help move dozens of more people off the streets and into safe, stable homes. We are grateful for our partnerships with housing providers that make this and other efforts possible.”

Older Adults

Older adults accounted for 41.9 percent of those counted during the July 2023 PIT count, representing a significant percentage. Additionally, 12.3 percent of adults experiencing homelessness were 65 or older.

These populations present unique challenges for housing because they are far more likely to have a disability and limited income. Integrating with other systems of care, such as medical and health care, is vital for serving older adults experiencing homelessness.

Reasons for Homelessness

During the July 2023 PIT count, individuals and families surveyed were asked about the reason for their homelessness. The most common response, from 25.4 percent of those surveyed, was a breakdown in families or other relationships. Additional reasons were eviction at 16 percent, unemployment or job loss at 15.9 percent, and the cost of housing at 10.5 percent.

Economic strain and hardship collectively accounted for over 40 percent of the reason for homelessness in our region. These findings underscore how economic policies and conditions directly impact the rate of homelessness and force more people into homelessness.

Where Can I Get More Information?

Additional information about the July 2023 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.