Coalition for the Homeless Outreach staff count the number of individuals experiencing homelessness every year across three different counties in Texas. (Courtesy Coalition for the Homeless)
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This year's count took place in mid-February, with the results being released June 12.
The results are in
The report found that a total of 3,321 people were experiencing homelessness on a single night in February, with 2,051 being sheltered individuals and 1,270 being unsheltered individuals.
The majority of homeless individuals were accounted for in Harris County, with 53.9% of sheltered individuals and 35.8% of unsheltered individuals coming from the most populous county in Texas.
The numbers are consistent with the figures from the 2025 report, which showed that approximately 3,325 individuals were homeless across the three counties.
The count did see a small decrease, 0.9%, in the number of unsheltered individuals from 2025 to 2026. However, despite the small decrease, more than one-third of individuals experiencing homelessness still remained unsheltered in 2026.
“Even with limited new funding and few new programs launched during this reporting period, Houston has remained relatively stable," said Mike Nichols, director of the city of Houston Housing and Community Development Department. "Behind every number is a real person, and our goal is to ensure more Houstonians are connected to the right support and a stronger path forward."
More information
Officials with the coalition also pointed out that this year's report expands beyond the PIT Count to include additional indicators generated through the Homeless Management Information System and HUD System Performance Measures, according to a June 12 news release.
The two measures provided additional context about year-round interactions with the homeless response system, housing stability outcomes and inflow into homelessness over time.
Some other key findings from the report that were new include:
35,988 unique clients were served through the homeless response system, The Way Home, during calendar year 2025
2,135 households were housed by partners of The Way Home in 2025
7,110 people entering homelessness for the first time during federal fiscal year 2025
85% of people who exited homelessness remained stably housed over two years
"The additional data shows our system is doing a great job maintaining our progress, in spite of additional economic stressors and pandemic funding having been exhausted,” said Kelly Young, president and CEO of CFTH. “Further progress will depend not only on additional investments in housing and services but also on our ability to expand new interventions to resolve homelessness more quickly."
What's being done
Houston recently opened a new homeless hub called 419 Emancipation. The former Star of Hope location opened June 5 with over 60 individuals in the facility, according to previous reporting. The facility is meant to function as what city officials call the "front door" to ending street homelessness.
Outside 419 Emancipation, the location of the city's new "super hub" for resources for homeless individuals. (Ariel Worthy/Community Impact)
419 Emancipation is a hub where individuals can access resources and eventually receive help with permanent housing. The hub offers meals, dorm-style rooms, on-site health services, on-site security and assistance with housing.
“Now that 419 is operational, we are optimistic this triage, transition and treatment model will help connect more individuals to care, services and clear pathways toward stability," Nichols said.
