More than half of the people experiencing homelessness in Phoenix are now living in shelters or temporary housing programs, according to newly released 2026 Point-In-Time count data from the city’s Office of Homeless Solutions.
The annual count found that 55% of Phoenix residents experiencing homelessness were sheltered at the time of the survey, marking a significant shift from the previous year. City officials reported a 15% increase in sheltered individuals, rising from 3,514 people in 2025 to 4,041 in 2026.
At the same time, the number of people living unsheltered in Phoenix declined by nearly 13%, dropping from 3,541 individuals last year to 3,093 this year.
Officials credited the progress to expanded shelter capacity, increased outreach efforts and continued investment in homelessness services across the city. Since launching the Office of Homeless Solutions in 2022, Phoenix has added more than 1,200 shelter beds, expanded crisis response programs and opened its Safe Outdoor Space program, which offers meals, showers, medical care, case management and housing assistance.
City leaders noted that people staying at the Safe Outdoor Space are still categorized as unsheltered under federal HUD guidelines, despite receiving daily services and temporary accommodations. The site housed 201 people on the morning of the 2026 count.
While Phoenix saw measurable improvements in shelter access, the city’s overall homelessness numbers remained relatively unchanged. The total homeless population increased by 60 people year over year, rising from 7,275 in 2025 to 7,335 in 2026. Across Maricopa County, homelessness remained essentially flat, decreasing by just eight people overall.
The updated figures come as the city continues implementing its newly approved Strategic Plan to Address Homelessness, adopted earlier this year by the Phoenix City Council. The multi-year plan outlines long-term strategies aimed at reducing homelessness through expanded shelter options, prevention programs and community partnerships through 2029.
Phoenix officials say another 100 shelter beds are currently in development as the city continues to expand services and housing resources.
