New Jersey Homeless Population Surges Amid Funding Threat

Annual point-in-time count shows nearly 70% increase in unhoused individuals over 5 years

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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New Jersey's homeless population has spiked by almost 70% over the past five years, according to the latest annual point-in-time count. Advocates say the official numbers only scratch the surface, as many homeless individuals avoid service providers or temporarily stay with friends, making them difficult to count. With federal and state funding for homeless services at risk, the crisis is expected to worsen in the Garden State.

Why it matters

Homelessness is a growing issue across New Jersey, impacting both urban and suburban areas. The annual point-in-time count is used to determine federal and state funding for homeless services, so an undercounting could jeopardize critical resources at a time when the need is rising rapidly.

The details

The point-in-time count found 13,748 unhoused individuals in New Jersey last year, up from 8,097 five years prior. Many homeless people avoid shelters due to concerns about safety and theft, instead seeking refuge in train stations, buses, and makeshift encampments. Advocates say the official numbers likely understate the true scale of homelessness, as those who couch surf or temporarily stay with friends are not counted.

  • The annual point-in-time count was conducted on February 4, 2026.
  • Five years ago, the point-in-time count identified 8,097 homeless individuals in New Jersey.
  • Last year, the point-in-time count found 13,748 unhoused individuals, an increase of almost 70%.

The players

Kasey Vienckowski

Leader of the Homeless Planning Team at Monarch Housing Associates, a nonprofit that assists communities with plans to end homelessness and expand affordable housing.

Taiisa Kelly

CEO of Monarch Housing Associates.

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What they’re saying

“They are avoiding service providers, or sometimes during the coldest of the winter months they may find some place to temporarily shelter.”

— Kasey Vienckowski, Leader of the Homeless Planning Team at Monarch Housing Associates (whyy.org)

“It does provide a consistent assessment of trends over time, but it doesn't provide a comprehensive picture of every single person experiencing homelessness.”

— Taiisa Kelly, CEO of Monarch Housing Associates (whyy.org)

What’s next

The data collected during the point-in-time count will be used by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to determine federal and state assistance for people who are homeless in New Jersey.

The takeaway

With homelessness on the rise in both urban and suburban areas of New Jersey, and concerns that funding for critical services could be cut, addressing this growing crisis will require a comprehensive, community-based approach to ensure all unhoused individuals have access to safe shelter and support.