Description of the Indicator
Homelessness data is tracked annually via point-in-time counts reported to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In 2021, local agencies responsible for conducting the point-in-time counts were allowed to modify count procedures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, some data have been limited, particularly shelter status data, which are incomplete. Thus, the number of unhoused individuals does not include those unsheltered at the time of the count in cases where unsheltered data were not collected. Data are reported by Continuum of Care regions across Pennsylvania. They include Lackawanna County, Luzerne County, and the Eastern Pennsylvania Continuum of Care, which is composed of 33 primarily rural counties, including Wayne and Wyoming Counties.
It should be noted that this is the only official data on homelessness. The Institute believes the number of individuals identifying as homeless is much higher in the region. No new data was available for this publication.
Why is it important?
Tracking the number of unhoused people is essential for understanding the scope of homelessness and the potential for gaps in resource coverage. This data could aid in combating homelessness and offer insight into the types of housing needed.
How is the region performing?
From 2023 to 2024, Lackawanna County experienced a decrease in homeless individuals. Conversely, the number of unsheltered individuals in the county increased and reached its highest point among the years analyzed. The number of unhoused children under the age of 18 decreased from 2023 to 2024.
From 2023 to 2024, Luzerne County experienced a small increase of homeless individuals, and the number of unsheltered individuals increased. The number of unhoused children under the age of 18 decreased from 2023 to 2024.
From 2024 to 2025, the Eastern Pennsylvania COC reported an increase of homeless individuals 63 or 2.8 percent). The number of total unsheltered individuals decreased by 8.2 percent (or 33 individuals) between 2024 and 2025. Furthermore, the number of unhoused children decreased (18.7 percent or 101 individuals) from 2024 to 2025. During the time in which data were available for Wyoming County, there was only one recorded unsheltered homeless individual, in 2024.