Report shows decline in number of homeless Mainers
An annual estimate of the number of Mainers experiencing homelessness shows a decline from 2024, partly due to the availability of winter warming centers.
The annual point-in-time count is required by the federal government of each state, and is used to assess homelessness nationally and to determine funding to address the problem.
Maine's annual assessment is a collaboration between MaineHousing, a quasi-state agency, and the Maine Continuum of Care group of service providers who work to help Maine people avoid or exit quickly from homelessness.
This year's count in Maine was conducted on Jan. 22. It found that 2,413 people across the state were without shelter that night, 282 fewer than in 2024. The decline in 2025 continues a downward trend "that may reflect a return to pre-pandemic era homeless levels," according to a news release.
The barometer also shows a 25.6% decrease in the number of children experiencing homelessness during the count.
"We know we have a long way to go yet in ensuring that when homelessness is experienced in Maine, it is rare and brief — even one person experiencing homelessness in our state is one too many," said Dean Klein, director of Maine's Continuum of Care.
“But this year’s Point In Time also gives us reasons to be hopeful in that we appear to be moving the needle in the right direction," he noted. "While only a glimpse at the state of homelessness, this annual exercise continues to help us strengthen our homelessness response and build a better data network through our nine regional homeless hub coordinators.”
In addition to surveying the homeless during the count, hub coordinators and volunteers provide resources to individuals and families, such as blankets, food, water and warm clothing, as well as information and assistance in obtaining shelter or housing.
Klein said that the city of Portland, Prosperity Maine and Catholic Charities of Maine are to be credited with helping to reduce homelessness by securing housing for more than 400 families last year.
More information
Find the full report here.
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