COG report indicates slight increase in regional homelessness

A total of 9,790 people experiencing homelessness were tallied on one day in the region in 2026, according to a report by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) highlighting results from the annual Point-in-Time (PIT) count conducted by area jurisdictions and homeless services providers in February 2026. This year's count was postponed for one week from its original January date due to freezing conditions; this delay allowed communities to prioritize urgent service needs and to safely conduct the annual enumeration.

The region's number of people experiencing homelessness increased by 131 persons, a one percent increase from the 2025 enumeration. After several years of increases, the pace of regional growth slowed in 2025 and remained modest in 2026, but results varied across jurisdictions. Five jurisdictions reported increases and three reported decreases compared to last year. Household composition also shifted modestly. The number of single adults experiencing homelessness increased, while the number of persons in families experiencing homelessness declined slightly.

In 2026, the region counted 28,889 formerly homeless individuals in permanent housing, nearly three times the literally homeless population. The significant number of people in permanent housing remains an important part of the region's response to homelessness. These housing resources help residents exit homelessness, stabilize, and avoid a return to the homeless services system.

The report notes that the region achieved measurable progress reducing homelessness among families and veterans. However, a critical shortage of deeply affordable housing and supportive services continues to challenge jurisdictions from achieving greater reductions in preventing and ending the experience homelessness.

The PIT count provides a one-day "snapshot" of individuals in the region who are: unsheltered and living on the streets, including parks, alleys, and camp sites; staying in an emergency hypothermia shelter or safe haven; living in transitional housing where they receive supportive services designed to help them move into some form of permanent housing; and those no longer experiencing homelessness and are now living in permanent supportive housing or other permanent housing.

This is the 26th consecutive year that COG has published its report to provide information on the scope and circumstances of homelessness in the region as well as the long-term impact of housing programs and services. Area jurisdictions connect regularly through COG to share strategies and coordinate their responses to homelessness.

MORE: Download the report