Over Half of Phoenix’s Unhoused Residents Now Sheltered as City Expands Capacity

The 2026 Point-In-Time (PIT) homelessness count data reveals more than half of people experiencing homelessness in Phoenix are now sheltered - up 15% over the last year. The City also reduced unsheltered homelessness by 13% in 2026.

These positive changes are a direct result of the City’s leadership in creating effective, strategic solutions to address homelessness in our region. While there is more work ahead, the data is a positive indicator that the City’s efforts to expand shelter and access to services are helping more people get safely indoors and off the street.

Here are the highlights from the 2026 PIT Count:

• In Phoenix, the number of people experiencing homelessness who are sheltered increased by 527, or 15%, from 3,514 people in 2025 to 4,041 in 2026.
  • This number does not include the 201 people staying at the City’s Safe Outdoor Space (SOS) on the morning of the count, which is included in the unsheltered count, per HUD. Because of the wraparound services provided at the SOS, including 3 meals each day, restrooms, showers, access to laundry and medical services, case management and housing navigation, the City believes individuals staying at the SOS should not be counted as unsheltered.
• 55% of people experiencing homelessness in Phoenix were sheltered the day of the count.
• The number of unsheltered people in Phoenix decreased by 448, or 12.6%, from 3,541 people in 2025 to 3,093 people in 2026.
  • This number does not include the 201 people at the City of Phoenix Safe Outdoor Space (SOS). There were 220 people at the SOS during the 2025 PIT Count.
• Phoenix’s total number of people experiencing homelessness remained nearly flat, increasing by only 60 people, from 7,275 in 2025 to 7,335 in 2026.
• The total number of people experiencing homelessness in Maricopa County also remained flat, decreasing by 8 people from 9,734 in 2025 to 9,726 in 2026.

“When we see more people coming indoors, we’re talking about individuals and families who now have a safe place to rest, connect with services, and begin rebuilding their stability,” said Rachel Milne, Director of the Office of Homeless Solutions (OHS). “Our progress comes from listening, problem-solving, and showing up when and where people need us most. While we’re encouraged by the progress, we are dedicated to expanding what works and exploring innovative solutions to continue to serve our community.”

City’s New Strategic Plan Reinforces Long-Term Commitment

The City’s progress, as demonstrated in the 2026 PIT Count, aligns with the recently approved Strategic Plan to Address Homelessness, adopted by the Phoenix City Council in February 2026. The comprehensive roadmap outlines long-term, sustainable strategies to prevent and further reduce homelessness by 2029, with five key focus areas reflecting extensive feedback from residents, service providers, and community partners. The Strategic Plan builds on the City’s investment in more than 1,200 new shelter beds, the creation of the Safe Outdoor Space, and expanded outreach and crisis response capacity since the launch of OHS in 2022. OHS will continue to add additional shelter capacity, with another 100 beds in progress.

Read more about the Strategic Plan here: OHS Strategic Plan 2026.pdf

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