As Philadelphia grapples with a lack of affordable housing and an ongoing opioid crisis, homelessness is worsening.
Why it matters: This comes as Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration is clearing encampments and preparing to set up a new temporary homeless shelter in Center City ahead of major events citywide in 2026.
State of play: 5,516 individuals were found to be experiencing homelessness as of last January, when the city’s annual point-in-time survey was conducted, per newly released city data.
- That’s up 6% over the previous year.
- It marked the fourth consecutive year that homelessness has risen in Philly, and the highest total since 2020.
How it works: Teams canvass the city for the survey for one single night, visiting various locations where people experiencing homelessness gather.
- Yes, but: The survey likely undercounts the state of homelessness.
By the numbers: Philly is short more than 64,500 housing units that are affordable and available to low-income households, according to The Housing Initiative at the University of Pennsylvania…