THE ISSUE

33,000

Veterans are homeless on any given night, representing about 5% of the total US homeless population.

Families with children make up about 30% of the total homeless population. There are more than

100,000

children experiencing homelessness.

772,000

People are experiencing homelessness on any given night in America. 

Homelessness rose 18% in the U.S. in 2024

Roughly 45% of those experiencing homelessness are living in unsheltered conditions. (On the streets, in tents, or in vehicles.)

12% of the homeless population are considered chronically homeless, meaning they have experienced homelessness for at least one year or more, or have had at least four episodes in the past three years.

Homelessness, temporary or otherwise, touches everyone—children and adults, people with and without diplomas and degrees, people with and without jobs and careers, people with families and people without. Individuals or families may be homeless for a variety of reasons, and there is rarely a single or simple answer to why people face homelessness. 

For many people experiencing homelessness, it is a temporary crisis, usually lasting a few weeks. Most seek support from their personal support systems - friends and family - if they have them. But when those social supports fail or do not exist, people must turn to public resources that are available in their community. Organizations exist that focus on prevention, shelter, health, housing, advocacy, and care of those facing or at risk of homelessness; all require community support if they are to continue their valuable work.

This diversity presents a challenge to defining the scope of homelessness, but the need to address the root causes and provide support is necessary for all facing the possibility or reality of homelessness.  Each of these individuals has a unique story – homelessness is their state of being, not their identity.  All are our neighbors in need, and we can and must help them. They are not asking for a hand out, but rather, a hand up.  
 

Want to learn more about some of the issues surrounding homelessness in our city, state, and country? Visit our resource page here, or contact us at info@winterwalk.org with any questions and we will help get you the info you are seeking, as well as connect you to service providers in Greater Boston, Western MA, or NYC who can share more and provide opportunities for more engagement.

Key factors include:

  • A lack of affordable housing

  • Poverty and unemployment

  • Sudden job or income loss

  • Natural disaster

  • Accident, house fire or unexpected event

  • Mental illness, substance abuse, and severe trauma- such as domestic violence

  • Youth may face additional high risk factors

Our Impact

In February 2017, we launched Boston’s inaugural Winter Walk, bringing nearly 1,000 people together on a cold New England day to march two miles in support of ending homelessness. Today, we are proud to say we’ve more than doubled our impact—and we’re just getting started.

In 2024, we’ve grown our partnerships to 25 non-profit organizations across Boston, New York City, and Western Massachusetts. Through the efforts of over 4,000 participants, we raised over $500,000 this year alone to provide critical services to over 39,000 individuals experiencing homelessness. Together, we’re addressing both immediate needs and the root causes of homelessness, such as housing instability, healthcare access, and workforce development.

Our Goals for 2024 and Beyond

As we kick off preparation for our 9th Annual Winter Walk, we are dedicated to expanding our reach and deepening our partnerships with organizations that provide shelter, food, healthcare, and education to our neighbors in need. With your support, we can continue to grow our impact and move closer to a world where no one has to experience homelessness.

Join us on this journey and help us continue this critical work.

Want to learn more about some of the issues surrounding homelessness in our cities, state, and country? Visit our resource page here, or contact us at info@winterwalk.org with any questions and we will help get you the info you are seeking, as well as connect you to service providers in Greater Boston, Western MA, Chicago, and NYC who can share more and provide opportunities for more engagement.

Current Statistics in Homelessness

2025 – Homeless statistics in the United States and in current Winter Walk communities*:
Illinois/Chicago - Massachusetts/Boston - New York/NYC

United States:

  • Approximately 772,000 people - about 23 out of every 10,000 - are experiencing homelessness on any given night, based on the most recent national estimates conducted in January 2024, according to the annual report by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

  • Homelessness rose 18% in the U.S. in 2024.

  • Roughly 45% of those experiencing homelessness (around 350,000 individuals) are living in unsheltered conditions. (On the streets, in tents, or in vehicles.)

  • 12% of the homeless population (appx. 90,000 people) are considered chronically homeless, meaning they have experienced homelessness for at least one year or more, or have had at least four episodes in the past three years.

  • Approximately 33,000 veterans are homeless on any given night, representing about 5% of the total US homeless population.

  • Families with children make up about 30% of the total homeless population, with over 100,000 children experiencing homelessness.


Illinois/Chicago

Illinois:

  • Approximately 14,000 individuals are experiencing homelessness on any given night in Illinois.

  • 15% of the homeless population in Illinois is considered unsheltered.

  • The majority of the homeless individuals (appx. 85%) are staying in temporary shelters, transitional housing, or other facilities.

  • Around 35% of homeless individuals in Illinois are part of a family unit.

  • Approximately 10% of the homeless population in Illinois are veterans.

  • A sizable portion of youth homelessness (around 20%) is attributed to LGBTQ+ young people, who often experience family rejection.

Chicago:

  • Approximately 6,300 individuals are estimated to be homeless in the city, nearly half of the state’s total homeless population.

  • The vast majority of homeless individuals in Chicago are living in emergency shelters or transitional housing.

  • Unsheltered homelessness in Chicago is estimated to be around 700 - 900 people. 

  • About 1,000 - 1,200 families are homeless in Chicago, with many staying in shelters or transitional housing. 

  • Around 2,000 - 2,500 children are estimated to be homeless in Chicago.

  • There are approximately 600 - 800 unaccompanied homeless youth in Chicago, ranging from ages 18-24. 

  • Around 30 - 40% of homeless youth in Chicago identify as LGBTQ+.

  • About 500 - 600 veterans are homeless in Chicago.


Massachusetts/Boston

Commonwealth of Massachusetts:

  • Almost 20,000 people are experiencing homelessness in Massachusetts, including individuals and families.

  • Families with children make up a significant portion of the homeless population, accounting for around 30 - 40% of the total homeless individuals in the state.

  • Over 5,000 people are staying in state, municipal and private shelters on any given night 

  • Massachusetts has a relatively low percentage of unsheltered homelessness compared to some other states, though approximately 15% of homeless individuals (roughly 3,000 people) are living in unsheltered conditions, primarily in urban areas like Boston, Worcester, Springfield, and Lowell.

  • Approximately 1,000 veterans are experiencing homelessness in Massachusetts, representing around 5% of the Commonwealth’s total homeless population.


Boston:

  • An estimated 2,400 individuals experience homelessness in Boston on any given night.

  • Approximately 500 families with children are experiencing homelessness in Boston.

  • On average, appx. 1,500 people are staying in emergency shelters across the city, with an additional 500 or so in transitional housing programs.

  • Around 600 individuals are considered chronically homeless, 

  • An estimated 300 unaccompanied youth (under the age of 24) are homeless in Boston, including those couch surfing, living in shelters, or sleeping in unsafe places.

  • Approximately 20 -40% of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ+.


New York/NYC
New York (State):

  • Approximately 240,000 people are homeless in New York State on any given night. This includes both sheltered and unsheltered individuals.

  • Approximately 16,000 families are experiencing homelessness in New York State. 

  • Around 6,000 chronically homeless individuals are reported in New York State.

  • Approximately 5,000 veterans are homeless in New York State, with a significant portion living in New York City.

New York City:

  • Appx. 147,500 people slept in shelters each night, with 68% in families.

  • The vast majority (over 90%) of New York City's homeless population are sheltered in temporary housing or emergency shelters due to the city’s ‘Right to Shelter’ law.

  • Over 4,100 people were sleeping in the streets, subways, and parks of NYC during the most recent census in 2024.

  • About 10,000 families are homeless in NYC, with the majority staying in shelters or transitional housing.

  • Over 3,000 unaccompanied youth under the age of 25 experience homelessness in New York City.

  • LGBTQ+ Youth account for an estimated 20-40% of youth experiencing homelessness in NYC.




*These numbers are based on local counts during state and municipal censuses (primarily taken during January, 2024) and federal, state, and local government estimates. However, the actual number of people experiencing homelessness fluctuates due to seasonal factors, availability of needed services, economic conditions, and the availability of affordable housing in any specific locale.