The 2025 Citygate Network Snapshot Survey
Each year, Citygate Network members survey thousands of individuals utilizing emergency shelter, supportive services, addiction recovery, and residential programs during a single day. This year, we asked Citygate Network members to select a 24-hour period between January 28 – February 21, 2025, to take the count, and report their results by February 21, 2025.
Our survey corresponds loosely with the HUD Point-In-Time Count, asking many of the government’s same questions. But we also seek information specific to faith-based organizations (missions and similar ministries).
2025 Overview
The Citygate Network Annual Snapshot Survey captures a single day’s worth of data to illuminate the changing face of homelessness and the critical needs of those seeking help. In 2025, our 34th survey engaged 73 member ministries, down slightly from 75 in 2023, and reached 12,849 individuals—nearly 1,000 more than the previous survey—revealing not only who is coming through our doors but also how and why they arrive.
Together, these insights challenge us to deepen partnerships, innovate our services, and strengthen the safety net—ensuring that every person who turns to our network finds the holistic, compassionate care they need to move from crisis to lasting stability.
Key Findings
The 2025 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 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.
Chronic homelessness spikes
Those homeless more than one year jumped from 31 to 41 percent, underscoring a growing population stuck in long-term instability.
Demographic shifts
Hispanic representation grew from 9 to 14 percent, while both White/Caucasian and Black/African American shares declined.
Gender balance moving
Female representation has risen from 28 to 32 percent, with male numbers dipping from 72 to 68 percent.
Steady spirituality
More than 80 percent of respondents say they prefer programs with a spiritual emphasis, reflecting no change from 2023.
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.
Veteran status decline
Overall veteran representation edged down from 8 percent in 2023 to the current 7 percent in 2025.
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.