A report from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) has revealed a disheartening rise in the number of people facing homelessness in Montgomery County, with figures jumping by 32% from the previous year. The 2025 Point-in-Time (PIT) survey, which is issued annually, has shined a light on the struggle that an increasing number of residents are facing as they slip through the nets of our social safety system. The numbers don't lie, and they spell out a dramatic increase in both adults and children left without permanent shelter.
Various elements have played a part in this rise, with the lack of affordable housing in Montgomery County being a significant one. Rising rents, inflation, and the cessation of Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program funds have given way to more evictions, nudging the homeless count upwards. According to Montgomery County's own report, the impact has been notably severe on families since the pandemic, with the number of people in homeless family households ballooning from 396 in 2024 to a staggering 712 in 2025.
"We know that Montgomery County needs more affordable housing, and this year’s data is a stark illustration of the situation," stated County Executive Marc Elrich in a release received by SFist. The county's efforts have seen introductions like the Short-Term Housing and Resolution Program (SHaRP), which saw 111 families move into more stable environments since the beginning of May thanks to extended funding.
In raw numbers, Montgomery County found itself accounting for 1,510 adults and children without homes during the PIT count conducted on the cold night of January 29. This included 796 adult-only households and 204 families with minor children. The task of aiding these individuals falls largely to the Montgomery County Continuum of Care (CoC), which is aimed at preventing and putting an end to homelessness through a mix of housing services. The CoC is a concerted effort involving government bodies, nonprofits, and other vested parties, and it strives to address housing crises on multiple fronts.
Council President Kate Stewart told the Montgomery County publication, "But we still have much work ahead of us. With unprecedented levels of need and a 32% increase in Montgomery County's homeless population over the last year, the Council is set to allocate $61 million for Services to End and Prevent Homelessness in the upcoming fiscal year budget."
