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 County.
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 of 52 homeless individuals. Conversely, the number of unsheltered individuals in the county increased by 14 and reached its highest point among the years analyzed. On the other hand, the number of unhoused children under the age of 18 decreased from 2023 to 2024 (by 41 individuals).
From 2023 to 2024, Luzerne County experienced an increase of 29 homeless individuals, and the number of unsheltered individuals increased by six. Similar to Lackawanna County, the number of unhoused children under the age of 18 decreased from 2023 to 2024 (by four individuals).
From 2023 to 2024, the Eastern Pennsylvania COC reported an increase of 238 homeless individuals (11.8 percent). The number of total unsheltered individuals also increased from 2023 to 2024 (by 181). The number of unhoused children rose by 16 individuals from 2023 to 2024, though the 2024 values are 25.6 percent lower than the values recorded in 2016.
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.