Cape and Islands Regional Network on Homelessness Releases Results of 2026 Annual Point in Time Homeless Count
Annual one-night count informs regional planning and services and contributes to a national report to Congress.
October 19, 2026 (Barnstable, MA) – The January 2026 Point in Time Count identified 500 people experiencing homelessness across Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket on January 27, an increase of 135 people from the 2025 count. The findings, released by the Cape and Islands Regional Network on Homelessness, help guide regional planning and resource allocation. Complete results are available at www.capecod.gov/pitcount.
Of the 500 people counted 405 were adults and 95 were children (under age 18). 312 were counted in emergency shelters (including agency-paid motel stays), 104 were in transitional housing, and 84 were staying in places not meant for human habitation.
The PIT Count is a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) required count conducted on a single night during the last 10 days of January. Barnstable County Department of Human Services coordinates data collection and submission to HUD for the Cape Cod and Islands Continuum of Care. The data helps the Continuum of Care identify local needs and is included in HUD’s Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress.
The count includes people in emergency shelters, transitional housing, and hotel or motel rooms paid for by an organization, as well as people staying on the street, in cars, parks, encampments, abandoned buildings, or other places not meant for human habitation. People staying temporarily with family or friends, often referred to as “doubled up,” are not included. The results provide a snapshot of homelessness on the night of the count and do not represent everyone who experiences homelessness over the course of a year.
Barnstable County has observed increased need for housing and homelessness services across the region. The County continues to track these needs and work with community partners to inform planning and response efforts.
Barnstable County Department of Human Services thanks its partner agencies across the Cape and Islands for their assistance in collecting information during the PIT Count, including Harbor Homes of Martha’s Vineyard, Housing Assistance Corporation, Homeless Prevention Council, Belonging to Each Other, the Nantucket Warming Center, Catholic Charities of Fall River, Vinfen, Independence House, and Community Action Committee of Cape Cod and the Islands.
ABOUT BARNSTABLE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES The mission of the Department of Human Services is to plan, develop, and implement programs that enhance the overall delivery of human services in Barnstable County and promote the health and social well-being of County residents through regional efforts that improve coordination of services. For more information, visit us at:
ABOUT BARNSTABLE COUNTY REGIONAL GOVERNMENT OF CAPE COD Barnstable County provides regional services, programs, and leadership to the fifteen towns of Cape Cod. Through collaboration and innovation, the County works to address shared challenges and improve the quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors across the region. Learn more at www.capecod.gov
