City of Baltimore Releases Findings from 2025 Point-in-Time Count of People Experiencing Homelessness
BALTIMORE, MD (Friday, October 17, 2025) – Today, the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services (MOHS), in coordination with the Baltimore City Continuum of Care (CoC), released the 2025 Baltimore City Point-in-Time (PIT) Count Report. Every year, jurisdictions across the United States conduct a PIT Count during the last 10 days of January. The PIT Count provides important data on the number of people experiencing homelessness locally, regionally, and nationally.
On the nights of the 2025 count, 2,024 people were identified as residing in emergency shelters, transitional housing, or unsheltered locations such as encampments.
Key Findings
From 2019 to 2024, Baltimore recorded a 12% decline in homelessness. However, between 2024 and 2025, the number of people experiencing homelessness rose by 26.5%, reversing previous gains. This increase can be attributed to the lack of affordable housing, increased cost of living, as well as the expiration of COVID-era rental protections and assistance programs. Additional findings include:
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First-Time Homelessness: More than half (52%) of unsheltered residents and 37% of shelter residents were experiencing homelessness for the first time.
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Families and Children: Households with children increased by 46%, with 34% accounting for children under the age 18.
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Older Adults: People 65 and older represent a growing portion of those experiencing homelessness with a 22% increase from 2024 which mirrors national trends.
This report illustrates a shift in who is experiencing homelessness and this will require our community to create programs to address these emerging needs. This report also reflects our community's continued commitment in our approach to address chronic homelessness, veterans homelessness, and youth homelessness. The findings included:
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Chronic Homelessness: 2025 saw a decrease of 3%, reflecting ongoing efforts to support individuals with long-term housing needs.
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Veteran Homelessness: The veteran population experiencing homelessness decreased by 2%, continuing a steady downward trend due to targeted housing and support initiatives.
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Transitional-Aged Youth (18–24): Youth experiencing homelessness decreased by 9%, indicating progress in early intervention and youth-focused housing programs.
Community Impact
In 2024, Baltimore’s homeless services system served 21,306 people through supportive services, emergency shelters, and permanent housing. This included helping 1,044 individuals and families exit homelessness into permanent housing, as well as sustaining housing for more than 4,200 residents.
The PIT Count is a critical planning tool for identifying needs, allocating resources, and shaping policy. Beyond providing a snapshot in time, the findings also reflect the broader challenges and resilience of Baltimore’s communities. They highlight the importance of continued collaboration between city agencies, nonprofit partners, and residents to expand affordable housing, invest in behavioral health, and address the root causes of homelessness. Together, these efforts move Baltimore closer to building a housing system that is equitable, sustainable, and centered on dignity for every resident.
Read the full 2025 Baltimore City Point-in-Time (PIT) Count Report.
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About the Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services (MOHS)
The Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services leads the City of Baltimore’s response to homelessness through policy, programs, and partnerships. MOHS works closely with local agencies, nonprofits, and the Baltimore City Continuum of Care (CoC) to implement a data-driven, person-centered, and trauma-informed approach to making homelessness rare and brief in Baltimore City.
Contact:
Jessica Dortch
Public Information Officer
(410) 746-7933
Jessica.Dortch@baltimorecity.gov
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