New Data Shows Homelessness Growing Long-Term While Spiritual Preference Holds Steady

July 10, 2025

Citygate Network 34^th Annual Snapshot Survey

The Citygate Network 34th Annual Snapshot Survey paints a compelling portrait of who seeks help and/or services at rescue missions and ministries today. Conducted on a single day in 2025, 73 member ministries reached out to 12,849 individuals to collect this point-in-time count, interacting with almost 1,000 more people than in 2023 when 75 members participated. The findings uncover key trends in demographics, referral sources, and the duration of homelessness.

Key findings include:

• Chronic homelessness spikes: Those homeless more than one year jumped from 31 percent to 41 percent, underscoring a growing population stuck in long-term instability.
• Repeat episodes: The share of individuals with exactly one prior homelessness episode rose by 11 points, pointing to significant opportunities for targeted intervention and wrap-around services.
• Demographic shifts: Hispanic representation grew from nine to 14 percent, while both White/Caucasian and Black/African American shares declined.
• Referral sources: Referrals via social services climbed seven points, increasing from 16 percent in 2023 to 23 percent in 2025, signaling deeper engagement with support agencies.
• Gender balance moving: Female representation has risen from 28 to 32 percent, with male numbers dipping from 72 to 68 percent.
• Veteran status decline: Overall veteran representation edged down from eight percent in 2023 to the current seven percent in 2025.
• Steady spirituality: More than 80 percent of respondents say they prefer programs with a spiritual emphasis, reflecting no change from 2023.

This year’s survey showed a startling ten‐point jump in chronic homelessness—rising from 31 to 41 percent between 2023 and 2025—indicating that more than four in ten people served have not had stable housing for over a year or have had three or more homelessness stints bouts within a three-year period. This surge highlights the urgent need for long-term, wrap-around support, including ongoing case management, mental-health services, and employment assistance, to help individuals break free from prolonged instability.

At the same time, social‐service and agency referrals rose from 16 to 23 percent, reflecting stronger integration with public‐sector partners, but also revealing that many guests must navigate multiple systems to access wrap-around care. It underscores the importance of deep collaboration and even dedicated on-site space for partner agencies to streamline support. 

For full survey results and information about the Snapshot Survey Report, visit the Citygate Network website: https://www.citygatenetwork.org/snapshot-survey/.

About Citygate Network

Citygate Network is a united movement of gospel-powered rescue missions, addiction recovery centers, prison outreach ministries, day centers, trafficking programs, and other life-transformation initiatives collaborating to address homelessness and its root causes. We equip ministry leaders and teams across North America with community, resources, advocacy, and best practices to fulfill their calling with excellence and compassion. By linking shelters, recovery programs, and outreach ministries into a robust network, we share proven strategies that guide people from crisis to stability—and ultimately toward lasting flourishing.