Volunteers canvass Philadelphia for annual federally-mandated homeless census

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- More than 200 volunteers canvassed Philadelphia on Wednesday night for the federally mandated annual homeless census, known as the Point in Time Count.

The count includes all individuals and families in emergency shelters, transitional housing, safe havens, and those who are unsheltered.

This data enables the city to capture a single-night snapshot of homelessness throughout the city.

The census does not necessarily reflect the full extent of homelessness, but provides information such as changes in populations experiencing homelessness and using shelters.

The total count been increasing for the last four years, but has remained below the 2020 count.

Recently, Kensington-specific counts have been conducted to gauge the situation there, and the neighborhood saw the biggest drop in the number of unsheltered individuals.

The data helps the city understand the scope of homelessness and how to address it.

"It helps us because we're able to identify trends that are going on in the city. It actually helps us determine what programs we need- how many shelter beds, how much housing services, but it also lets us know whether or not the work we are doing is having an impact on this city because we do this count every year," explained Cheryl Hill, executive director of the Office of Homeless Services.

The count takes place in cities around the country.