The 2026 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 15 – February 23, 2026, to take the count, and report their results. Our survey corresponds loosely with the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Point-In-Time Count, asking many of the government’s same questions, but we also seek information specific to faith-based organizations.
2026 Overview
The Citygate Network Annual Snapshot Survey offers a one-day glimpse into the lives of those turning to rescue missions and ministries for help—and in 2026, that picture grew both broader and more complex. With 21,059 individuals surveyed across 89 participating ministries, this year’s findings reflect both the scale of the crisis and the essential role our members play in responding to it. The data shows a population facing significant instability, with high levels of homelessness, mental-health challenges, substance-related struggles, and limited access to benefits. It also highlights the unique place of ministries as accessible points of care—meeting urgent needs while offering pathways toward healing, stability, and life transformation.
Together, these insights reinforce the importance of holistic, gospel-centered support and strong collaboration as ministries respond to homelessness and its root causes in communities across North America.
Key Findings
The 2026 survey captured a significantly larger snapshot of people in crisis, increasing from 12,849 individuals across 73 ministries in 2025 to 21,059 individuals across 89 ministries in 2026. This expanded reach offers a broader view of the realities ministries are encountering and underscores both the scale of need and the vital role Citygate Network members play in responding to it. Overall, the 2026 data points to a somewhat earlier-stage homelessness, reduced benefits access, significant addiction-related need, and continued evidence that Citygate Network members serve as a direct first point of help.
Earlier-stage homelessness is more visible
Those homeless for less than three months rose from 21 percent in 2025 to 30 percent in 2026, while those homeless for more than one year declined from 41 percent to 35 percent. This suggests ministries may be seeing more people earlier in their homelessness journey.
Benefits access is slipping
The share of respondents who currently had benefits dropped from 71 percent in 2025 to 59 percent in 2026. Meanwhile, those without benefits rose from 19 percent to 28 percent, pointing to a population arriving with fewer supports already in place.
Children served are skewing younger
Among children included in family data in 2026, the largest age groups were 0–5 and 6–12, showing that many of the children being served are very young. The 18+ category also dropped from 22 percent in 2025 to 6 percent in 2026.
Ministries are a direct front door for help
Self-referrals increased from 42 percent to 46 percent, while social service or agency referrals declined from 23 percent to 19 percent. Life transformation ministries continue to serve as highly visible and accessible places for people seeking help.
New questions reveal deeper needs
Among children included in family data in 2026, the largest age groups were 0–5 and 6–12, showing that many of the children being served are very young. The 18+ category also dropped from 22 percent in 2025 to 6 percent in 2026.
Spiritual preference remains strong
Preference for a ministry with a spiritual emphasis stayed remarkably steady, shifting only slightly from 81 percent in 2025 to 80 percent in 2026.