Boston’s Latest Homeless Census Shows Progress

The City of Boston recently released its annual Homeless Census, showing a decrease in both the shelter and street count. Of all individuals experiencing homelessness in Boston, less than 3 percent live on the street.

These numbers highlight how the collaboration between the City of Boston, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Pine Street Inn and other homeless service providers contributes to these positive outcomes. Together, we have made progress on coordinating outreach and placing people in housing with support services to help them remain stable and housed. 

"The decline in the street and shelter numbers reflects several factors rather than a single policy change," says Pine Street President and Executive Director Lyndia Downie. "It is clear in the census report that our collective solutions to ending homelessness are paying off."

Learn more about the 2026 Homeless Census.

Street Outreach — Staying Safe
in the Summer Heat

During the recent heat wave and throughout the summer, Pine Street’s outreach teams canvass the streets, searching for homeless individuals in need of support. They work to keep people safe from dehydration, heat exhaustion and other hot weather-related conditions.

The outreach teams distribute cold water, sunscreen, light clothing and food to help people beat the heat, as well as encouraging them to come inside Pine Street’s air-conditioned shelters and cooling centers.

"We know all the spots to go to," says Pine Street Director of Outreach Ed Cameron. "Our number one goal is to keep everyone safe and to encourage people to come into our air-conditioned vehicles and back to our shelter cooling centers."

Listen on WBZ NewsRadio.