American Homelessness Watch

Legal Victories for Local Shelters

• 🔥 Somerville Church Ruling: A state judge ruled that First Church Somerville was within its rights to...

Three local providers — BRACH, The Haven, and PACEM — envision a one-stop 80-bed low-barrier shelter at 2000 Holiday Dr. as a housing machine, with...

Neighboring SoCal counties show stark PIT contrasts, spotlighting policy differences.

• Orange County: ~28% spike to around 7,300 unhoused.
• Ventura...

Faith-based advocacy triumphs: A Somerville church's 26-bed basement homeless shelter gains state court approval, overriding local zoning bans and neighbor opposition—driven by their call to aid the poor.

• Limits criminalization: Bans fines or punishment for homeless individuals' life-sustaining activities like sleeping, resting, or storing...

Federal Court Rulings on Grants and Rights

• 🔥 HUD CoC Changes Struck Down: A U.S. District Judge in Rhode Island ruled HUD and Secretary Scott...

Key takeaways from ARCH's 2026 PIT count in eight-county region:

• 927 people counted (unsheltered or in transitional/emergency shelter), similar to...

Trend alert: Anti-encampment efforts hit roadblocks despite momentum.

• Legislation ramps up pressure: Georgia OKs resident lawsuits vs. cities...

Federal courts deliver wins for PSH amid Trump reversals:

• U.S. District Court in Rhode Island ruled HUD's last-minute criteria—barring funds for...

Macon-Bibb's smart local investment in data-driven services:

• $45K extension brings total to $120K through June 30, funding outreach beyond delayed...

Key data-driven drivers of U.S. homelessness rises (2019-2024):

• Nationwide 33% increase Jan 2020-2024, affecting 1 in 435 Americans
• Eviction...

Record-High Counts in Asheville Area

• 🔥 Buncombe County PIT Count: Buncombe County's 2026 Point-in-Time count shows 824 people experiencing...

High recidivism exposed: Of 5,800 moved into motels via $300M Inside Safe, 40% (2,300) back unsheltered by Dec, up from 20% at year 1.

• Personal...

• Taller, denser, faster: Mayor Katie Wilson's mantra to speed up the Comprehensive Plan.
• Targets housing near transit and growth centers.
  -...

• Record high of 824 homeless (+9.1%), driven by Helene and housing costs
• 334 unsheltered (+1.8%), but sheltered/transitional up due to new...

• Zombieland streets emerge from spreading addiction and deteriorating public spaces
• Thousands endure addiction, untreated illness, and dangerous...

• Section 8 boost: $38.4B for vouchers, +$2.39B over FY25
• Homeless aid: $4.4B grants to reduce unsheltered homelessness via CoC surge
• Total HUD budget: $77.3B, +$7.3B overall
• Practical Q&A: Live video for applicants, landlords on low-income housing

Personal invisibility hits home: For 8 years, a bearded man in his 60s approached the author downtown, unnamed yet familiar—now gone, likely forever...

Homelessness is rising in Orlando, as local leaders weigh progress and next steps in addressing the crisis.

Federal Court Win for Housing Funds

• 🔥 Santa Clara County Prevails: A federal appeals court rejected HUD's attempt to cap Continuum of Care...