Ohio’s Most Populous County Reports 43% Rise in Unsheltered Homelessness

Franklin County, Ohio’s most populous county, has seen a significant rise in unsheltered homelessness, with a 43% increase reported in the latest Point-in-Time Count. The count identified 651 people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in 2026, up from 455 in 2025. This surge highlights a growing challenge for communities seeking to address housing insecurity and support vulnerable neighbors.

While sheltered homelessness decreased by 8%, with 165 fewer individuals in emergency shelters and transitional housing, the rise in unsheltered homelessness underscores a troubling trend. Columbus City Councilmember Tiara Ross noted that more people are being forced to live in unsafe conditions, such as encampments and vehicles, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention.

Point-in-Time Counts, conducted annually in partnership with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, provide a snapshot of homelessness across the country. Franklin County’s count took place in January, revealing the challenges of accurately capturing the full scope of homelessness, particularly during harsh weather conditions.

Community Shelter Board President and CEO Shannon TL Isom highlighted that last year’s count occurred during a storm, which allowed for more accurate sheltered counts. This year’s count, conducted under different conditions, may have underestimated the true extent of unsheltered homelessness, as people were less likely to seek shelter during colder weather.

The report also notes a projected 68% increase in unsheltered homelessness by 2028, according to local data and predictive modeling. Councilmember Ross stressed the importance of addressing this issue through additional investment, acknowledging the difficult reality that without such efforts, the trend is likely to continue.

Chronic homelessness and homelessness among individuals with severe mental illness have both increased, with the latter rising by 42%. Additionally, homelessness among those with HIV/AIDS, chronic substance use, and survivors of domestic violence has also risen significantly. These findings reflect the complex and multifaceted nature of homelessness in the county.

Family homelessness decreased by 3.8%, and parenting youth homelessness dropped by 40%, with no parenting youth identified as unsheltered. Community Shelter Board President and CEO Shannon TL Isom emphasized the importance of ensuring children have access to safe spaces, noting that Franklin County has immediate resources to support families in need.

The report also revealed demographic insights, with 54% of people experiencing homelessness identifying as Black, 33% as white, and 9% as multi-racial. Gender distribution showed 58% were men, 41% were women, and 1% identified as non-binary. There were 96 veterans experiencing homelessness, a slight decrease from the previous year.

These statistics underscore the need for compassionate and strategic responses to homelessness, reflecting the biblical call to care for the vulnerable and to seek justice for the oppressed. As communities grapple with these challenges, the focus remains on providing support, resources, and opportunities for healing and restoration.

Source: Read the original report