Reduction in Shelter Beds without Expansion of Housing
Over the past 10 years, there was a reduction in shelter beds (-3776), mostly due to reallocation of resources from transitional shelter to rapid rehousing. There are a total of 18,250 shelter beds in the State, including 12,874 emergency shelter, 5,226 transitional housing, and 142 safe haven beds. Of these beds, there are 2,142 beds for victims of domestic violence, 1,015 for veterans and 686 for youth that are not open to anyone, even if the bed is empty on any given night. Overall, 86% of all shelter beds were occupied during the last point in time count (January 2024).
The number of beds available to individuals experiencing homelessness has not increased significantly over the past 10 years. Housing with short to medium term housing assistance (Rapid Rehousing) increased by 4,309 beds, and long-term housing (Supportive Housing and Other Permanent Housing dedicated to persons experiencing homelessness) increased by 4,246 beds- mostly through Public Housing Authorities prioritizing persons experiencing homelessness through the Housing Choice Voucher Program, including the addition of Emergency Housing Vouchers prioritizing persons experiencing homelessness.
Many of these shelter and permanent housing beds are voucher based – which requires the availability of hotel/motel (shelter) or rental housing to place individuals.
