PRESS RELEASE: Metro Denver Homeless Initiative Releases 2026 Point-in-Time Count Data
Coordinated efforts yield measurable results as overall homelessness in the region decreases by 8%.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DENVER, CO (May 20, 2026) — The Metro Denver Homeless Initiative (MDHI) today released the results of the 2026 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, the annual census that captures the number of people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January. The data reveals a significant turning point for the region: overall homelessness has decreased by 8 percent, with a substantial 21 percent reduction in the number of individuals sleeping outdoors.
The 2026 PIT data serves as a companion to the recently published 2025 State of Homelessness Report, which provides a year-long look at the crisis across Colorado. Together, these reports tell a consistent story: when regional and community partners align their strategies, the system works.
"An 8 percent decrease across our region is a powerful indicator that our shift toward a truly coordinated, data-driven system is yielding results," said MDHI Executive Director Jason Johnson "This progress belongs to the dedicated provider network, local governments, and community partners across all seven metro counties who aligned their strategies to help people reach safety and stability. Regional coordination works, and we’re excited to sustain this momentum."
Key Findings from the 2026 Count:
Overall Decrease: The total number of people experiencing homelessness in the Metro Denver region decreased from 10,774 in 2025 to 9,950 in 2026—an 8 percent total reduction.
Fewer People Sleeping Outside: The number of unsheltered individuals (those sleeping on streets or other places not meant for human habitation) dropped from 2,149 to 1,703, a 21 percent decrease.
Household Trends: Both individual homelessness and family homelessness saw decreases, showing that progress is being made across demographics.
The City and County of Denver’s Department of Housing Stability (HOST) has been a critical partner in these regional efforts, particularly in expanding pathways from the streets into stable, indoor environments.
“We’re incredibly proud of the transformational expansions and improvements we have made, together with partners, to the homelessness response system throughout Denver,” said HOST Executive Director Cole Chandler. “This data demonstrates that those investments are bearing results. Our strategies are working. Homelessness is down across Denver for the first time in nearly 10 years. We look forward to building upon this monumental progress in the years to come."
A Comprehensive Look at the Crisis
While the PIT Count provides a vital "snapshot" of a single night, MDHI encourages the community to view these numbers alongside the 2025 State of Homelessness Report released earlier this week.
"When we pair the Point-in-Time Count snapshot with the year-long data in the State of Homelessness Report, we get a fuller picture,” Johnson said. "Looking at this data alongside the 2025 State of Homelessness Report highlights the round-the-clock dedication of our regional partners who meet the needs of thousands of individuals throughout the entire year. Homelessness is down across the region, thanks in no small part to Metro Denver’s investment in housing, supportive services, prevention, and coordination."
Click here to view the 2026 Point-in-Time Count dashboards
Click here to view the 2025 State of Homelessness Report
About MDHI: MDHI is the Metro Denver Continuum of Care, the regional system that coordinates services and housing for people experiencing homelessness across Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson counties. MDHI works to build a homeless crisis response system that makes homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring. Learn more at mdhi.org.
Media Contact:
Jenn Meyers
Director of External Affairs
Metro Denver Homeless Initiative
jenn.meyers@mdhi.org