Philadelphia sees decline in homelessness for 1st time in 2 years: Report

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Homelessness appears to be on the decline in Philadelphia, according to a new report.

The Office of Homeless Services released its 2026 "Point-in-Time" count from February.

It found that overall homelessness dropped nearly 7% over the last year, from just over 5,500 people down to a little more than 5,100 people.

According to the count, which was conducted on a single night, 711 of those people were unsheltered or sleeping outside.

Officials say that is a 39% decrease from 2025, and the first time that number has gone down in two years.

Sheltered homelessness, including those living in emergency housing, did tick up about 2%, to nearly 4,500 people.