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DC Region Registers Drop In Homelessness

Washington DC aerial view with Thomas Jefferson Memorial building

A count of people living in shelters and on the streets from Northern Virginia to the District to suburban Maryland reveals that the region has made some progress against the problem of homelessness.

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments reports 7,605 people experiencing homelessness this year, an 8% reduction compared to last year’s data.

“The point-in-time count is a one-day snapshot,” said Hilary Chapman, housing program manager for the Council of Governments. “It takes place in the last 10 days of January every year.”

Chapman credits eviction moratoriums and diversion programs, as well as additional housing resources, including emergency housing vouchers and emergency rental assistance.