2026 Point-in-Time Count in HRM Reveals Shifts in Homelessness

On the evening of October 14, 51 volunteers from community organizations and partner agencies took part in the 2026 Point-in-Time (PiT) Count across Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), documenting the number of people experiencing homelessness on a single night.

The annual count provides a snapshot of homelessness in HRM and helps inform the development of programs, services and policies aimed at preventing, reducing, and ultimately ending homelessness.

The count includes both unsheltered homelessness, which refers to people staying in locations such as encampments, parks, sidewalks, vehicles and other public spaces, and sheltered homelessness, which includes people staying in emergency shelters and other indoor service settings. Together, these figures establish a minimum number of people experiencing homelessness on the night of the count.

The 2026 count identified 1,078 people experiencing homelessness, down from 1,150 in 2025. Despite this slight overall decline, the results reveal significant shifts in where people are staying.

The number of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in vehicles increased by 50%, while the number staying outdoors in locations outside HRM-designated encampments increased by 64.3%. Both figures represent the highest reported levels since 2024.

The results also show a decrease in homelessness in areas where targeted investments and supports are in place. Notably, the number of individuals staying in Domestic Violence Transition Houses decreased by 68%.

While the overall number of people counted declined, the increase in those sleeping in vehicles and other unsheltered locations highlights the importance of understanding where and how people are experiencing homelessness across HRM.

The complete 2026 Point-in-Time Count Report