Housing for New HopeAugust 2025 Webinar – Understanding Changes in PIT Count Numbers and Federal Funding
August 12, 2025 – Understanding Changes in PIT Count Numbers and Federal Funding
On August 12, Housing for New Hope hosted an agency briefing to share the latest data from Durham’s 2025 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count and what potential federal policy shifts could mean for our work. Here are the key takeaways and how you can help.
What is the PIT Count? The PIT Count is a national HUD-mandated survey conducted each January to capture a snapshot of people experiencing homelessness. It includes those in emergency shelters and those living unsheltered.
What the 2025 Numbers Show
- Overall homelessness decreased by 6% compared to 2024 (405 to 381 people)
- Unsheltered homelessness increased by 12% (172 to 196 people)
- Chronic homelessness rose by 18% (102 to 118 people)
- 30 families were counted this year
- 16% of unsheltered people reported serious mental illness
- 21% of unsheltered people reported substance use disorder
- PLEASE READ THE FULL REPORT UNDER “OUR IMPACT”
These trends reflect a concerning shift: while fewer people overall are experiencing homelessness, more are living without shelter and facing complex challenges.
Federal Funding and Potential Policy Changes Recent months have brought significant uncertainty in federal funding:
- HUD Continuum of Care (CoC) awards for HNH initially increased 29-40%, but a proposed federal budget threatens to eliminate CoC funds and shorten support periods to 24 months.
- A July Executive Order signals a potential move from “Housing First” to “Treatment First”, prioritizing mandated treatment and institutionalization over voluntary, housing-focused approaches.
How Housing for New Hope is Responding We are:
- Exploring the impact of shortened service models for federally funded programs.
- Strengthening connections to treatment services.
- Advocating for state and local funding.
- Monitoring permanent supportive housing versus transitional shelter developments.
- Stay informed and share this information.
- Contact your members of Congress about preserving CoC funding.
- Advocate at the state and local level for housing and supportive services.
- Support the Housing Access Fund to help neighbors find and keep housing.
