DETROIT – Teams of volunteers with the Homeless Action Network of Detroit hit the streets Wednesday night for the 2026 homelessness point-in-time count.
Data collected by the yearly count helps the city secure federal funding and ensures resources go where they’re needed most.
Last year’s point-in-time report found nearly 1,500 people experiencing homelessness in Detroit, Highland Park, and Hamtramck.
That marked a 2% increase over 2024.
Leaders at the Homeless Action Network said nights like tonight can help save lives.
“We are a network, so we work with about 30 to 40 homeless service providers across the community,” said Homeless Action Network Executive Director, Tasha Gray. “What we’re able to do is hopefully bring them all together. They’re all doing wonderful services, but no organization can end homelessness on their own. We collaborate together to strategically address homelessness in our community.”
The count follows Mayor Mary Sheffield’s announcement of plans to create a new Department of Human and Family Services.
The new department will work to reduce poverty levels in the city.