This is a community indicator measure. It is provided to show an understanding of the overall community health. The County government does not directly control the outcome of this measure; however, a number of programs and initiatives the County is undertaking can have an impact.

The 2020 PIT count for Cuyahoga County documented a 7% increase in the number of homeless single adults and an 8% decline in the number of homeless families. While the numbers reflect a single night of homelessness, when compared to previous PIT count annual data, trends do emerge. In this case, the numbers suggest that more individuals are experiencing homelessness. The need for a strong safety net remains while strategies to support a living wage and expansion of housing subsidies continue.

2021 Point-In-Time Count - January 26, 2021

The Cuyahoga Continuum of Care (CoC) will conduct the sheltered count as scheduled in 2021. This year’s sheltered count will include the additional hotel sites which have been provided to support the CoC’s COVID-19 Response and shelter de-concentration strategy. Due to the pandemic, HUD has given communities options for the 2021 unsheltered count, urging them to prioritize safety.  Many CoCs, along with Cuyahoga County, have requested a full “exception” from HUD which means they will not conduct a formal unsheltered count. Requests for the full exception are ultimately based on the need for safety for the homeless population and those serving the homeless in our community during this challenging time.

COVID-19 Efforts:  

Cuyahoga County COVID-19 Continuum of Care Response

• Reduce Shelter Census
  • Diversion at Coordinated Entry – Gift Cards
  • Vouchers for temporary stays to assist with shelter de-concentration
  • For singles and families currently in shelter: encouraged to relocate to family/friends without interruption in Housing Plan action; relocation plan confirmed by shelter staff; gift cards offered to assist with food costs.
  • Originally negotiated 4 Hotels for shelter de-concentration for single adults. As of December 2020, reduced to 3 Hotel Sites for Single Adults with one site dedicated to COVID Isolation & Quarantine. In addition, acquired 1 site for single women and another Hotel site for Seasonal Shelter to serve the Unsheltered Population.  Collectively, these efforts provided the following:
    • 168 Rooms, single men, vulnerable populations (143 people)
    • 64 Rooms, single men, vulnerable populations (76 people)
    • 60 Rooms, single women, vulnerable populations (80 women)
    • 60 Rooms, single men/ Seasonal Shelter for unsheltered population (61 people)
    • Capacity up to 56 rooms based on need, single men/women, vulnerable women (5 people)
    • 40 – 50 Single Veterans placed in Hotels with SSVF funds 

Impact

• 400 bed Men’s Shelter Census currently at 140 census; reduction of 65%
• 190 bed Women’s Shelter currently at 110 census: reduction of 58%            
• Reducing concentration enables congregate shelters to create “social distancing” for those at the shelter.           
• Family Shelters: operating below capacity           
• Family Overflow: not used since last week of March