WASHINGTON — Efforts to reduce homelessness in the area are working. That’s according to a new report that shows more people are finding permanent housing and taking advantage of new programs.
Across the region, the number of homeless individuals in the region dropped 7 percent compared to 2015. But because of an increase in the number of homeless families in the District, the total number of homeless people living in the region has risen 5 percent compared to last year, according to a report released Wednesday.
“It’s not stagnant. People are moving into permanent housing. We’re reducing the number of veterans and chronically homeless,” said Michael Ferrell who oversees the Metropolitan Council of Governments Homeless Services Committee.
The 16th annual Council of Governments survey of homelessness showed a decline in seven of the nine reporting jurisdictions. However, an increase in the number of families being served in D.C. pushed up the regional total.
“Last year started providing year-round access to families, whereas in past years they’d only provided access during winter hypothermia season,” said Ferrell, who also runs the District’s Coalition for the Homeless.
In Virginia, Alexandria and Arlington County saw the largest decline in homelessness, Farrell said. Other jurisdictions were not far behind.
