Rise seen in people experiencing homelessness for first time

Belinda Hill, chair of the PR-502 Continuum of Care board of directors

By THE STAR STAFF

The 2026 Homeless Point-in-Time Count identified 930 homeless individuals across island 24 municipalities within the PR-502 Continuum of Care (CoC). While this represents a reduction compared to 2025, the data revealed that 57.8% of these individuals are experiencing homelessness for the first time.

“The reduction observed in the 2026 Homeless Point-in-Time Count is an encouraging result for our homelessness response system. Of particular significance is the fact that decreases were recorded across almost all populations sleeping on the streets -- a result that aligns with the strengthening of CoC PR-502 services and the implementation of multiple initiatives aimed at addressing the needs of homeless individuals,” stated Belinda Hill, chair of the PR-502 Continuum of Care board of directors, in a written statement. “However, these results also serve as a reminder that we still face significant challenges. The increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness for the first time demonstrates that economic, social, and health-related factors continue to push new individuals and families into situations of vulnerability.”

During 2025, the count had identified 1,031 homeless individuals in the region. Although the total figure declined, the percentage of people reporting that they were homeless for the first time rose from 53.3% to 57.8%.

The report, presented by Anitza Cox of Estudios Técnicos, also revealed that 82.2% of the individuals interviewed had at least one vulnerability factor affecting their housing and employment stability.

More than two-thirds of the identified individuals were unsheltered at the time of the count.

Among the primary reasons associated with homelessness are substance use, family issues, mental health conditions, unemployment, and economic hardship. The count data also identified 226 women, 33 young adults between the ages of 18 and 24, and 70 older adults aged 65 or older experiencing homelessness.

Particular attention was paid to the cases involving women. The report indicates that 68.3% were experiencing homelessness for the first time, and that 34.5% attributed their situation to domestic violence, gender-based violence, sexual assault, harassment, or violence within an intimate relationship.