In Philadelphia, the number of people without homes has climbed to 5,516 in 2025, a steep rise from 4,489 in 2022. The data, released by NBC10, shows a clear upward trend in the city’s unhoused population. This surge highlights the growing challenge of affordable housing in the region.
The city’s report indicates that the unhoused count fell between 2020 and 2021, marking a brief period of decline. However, the following years have seen a consistent increase in the number of people lacking stable shelter. This pattern underscores the persistent nature of homelessness in Philadelphia.
In 2022, the report recorded 4,489 unhoused residents across the city. This figure represented a modest rebound after the previous year’s dip. It set the stage for the subsequent yearly rises.
The 2023 count rose to 4,725, reflecting a 5.5% increase from the prior year. This incremental growth continued the trend of rising homelessness. The data were compiled from city records and outreach assessments.
By 2024, the population had grown to 5,191, a 9.1% jump from 2023. The 2025 tally reached 5,516, marking the highest number yet recorded in the report. These figures illustrate a steady climb over the past four years.
Age analysis reveals that the largest cohort of unhoused individuals falls between 35 and 44 years old. This demographic accounts for the most significant share of the city’s homeless population. The report emphasizes this age group’s vulnerability.
The second largest age group is 45 to 54 years old, closely following the 35-44 bracket. Together, these two groups comprise the majority of Philadelphia’s unhoused residents. Their prevalence highlights a mid‑career segment facing housing instability.
The report does not list other age brackets in detail, but it indicates that the 35-44 and 45-54 ranges dominate the statistics. This concentration suggests targeted outreach could be especially effective for middle‑aged adults. It also points to potential socioeconomic factors affecting this age range.
Overall, the age distribution underscores that homelessness in Philadelphia is not confined to a single demographic. Instead, it disproportionately impacts adults in their mid‑thirties to mid‑fifties. Understanding this trend can guide policy and support programs.
There are currently 780 unhoused children living in Philadelphia, according to the latest data. This figure represents a decline from previous years, signaling a slight improvement in child homelessness. Nevertheless, the presence of children remains a critical concern.
The child count dropped in 2025 compared to 2024, reflecting a modest decrease in the number of unhoused minors. The report attributes this change to ongoing outreach efforts and temporary shelter availability. It also notes that child homelessness remains a persistent issue.
Historically, the highest numbers of unhoused children were reported in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Those years marked a peak in child homelessness before the recent downward trend. The data illustrate a shift in the child population over time.
While child homelessness has eased somewhat, the report stresses that 780 minors still lack stable housing. Continued attention to child services and family support is essential to address this ongoing challenge. The trend highlights the need for sustained intervention.
Several outreach groups in Philadelphia work to assist the unhoused, with Christ in the City being one of the prominent organizations. This group offers hot meals to those in need every Wednesday, providing essential nutrition. Their efforts aim to alleviate immediate hunger among the homeless.
Christ in the City’s Wednesday meal program serves a wide range of residents across the city. The organization coordinates volunteers and supplies to deliver hot meals to the unhoused population. Their consistent schedule helps maintain a reliable source of food for many.
“Every week we do see new faces and then usually they stick around,” Sophia Van Horn, the Christ in the City Outreach Coordinator, told NBC10. “We usually see them once and then they keep coming back.”
Van Horn’s statement highlights the program’s role in building trust and continuity among the homeless. It also illustrates the persistent presence of individuals in need of support. Her perspective underscores the importance of regular outreach.
As the holiday season approaches, the visibility of Philadelphia’s unhoused population is likely to increase. Visitors to the city may encounter more people living on the streets during this period. The report suggests that seasonal factors can affect public awareness.
The heightened presence of the unhoused during holidays can prompt greater community engagement and volunteerism. It also raises the profile of homelessness in local media coverage. The city’s residents may become more aware of the issue through increased visibility.
The report notes that this seasonal surge offers an opportunity for outreach groups to intensify their efforts. By providing additional services during the holidays, organizations can address immediate needs more effectively. The timing aligns with increased public attention.
More resources for Philadelphia’s unhoused population can be found through local agencies and volunteer networks. Residents and visitors are encouraged to support outreach programs and donate to food and shelter initiatives. Community involvement plays a vital role in addressing homelessness.
Philadelphia’s rising homelessness figures, age distribution insights, and ongoing outreach efforts paint a comprehensive picture of the city’s challenges. The data reveal a steady increase in the unhoused population, with particular vulnerability among adults aged 35 to 54. Continued support and targeted programs remain essential to reverse this trend.
