Homelessness

Every jurisdiction in the region is affected by homelessness. Through close collaboration, the members of COG’s Homeless Services Planning and Coordinating Committee are able to share strategies in addressing common challenges that are unique to living in a high-cost housing market such as metropolitan Washington. To support the members of the Homeless Services Planning and Coordinating Committee, COG also organizes training events, discussions, and speakers on recent research and best practices in the field. 

Through the committee, COG conducts an annual point-in-time (PIT) enumeration of the region's homeless and formerly homeless population. Conducted every January since 2001, the enumeration provides a one-day snapshot of the number, demographics, and distribution of the region’s individuals and families experiencing homelessness. COG produces an annual PIT report on the year’s enumeration results, trends, and programs serving homeless and formerly homeless people in the region. This annual effort creates a platform for regional collaboration and problem solving to prevent and end the experience of homelessness region-wide.