The North Central Florida Continuum of Care (CoC) released final data from its January point-in-time homelessness survey, showing 887 homeless individuals across a six-county area.  

The final data showed a slight increase from unofficial numbers earlier this year and an increase of 128 individuals compared to the 2024 survey, which identified 759 homeless people. But the number remains below 2022 and 2023 surveys that recorded 925 and 1,006 individuals, respectively.  

The results showed 436 individuals were sheltered while the remaining 451 were unsheltered at the time of the survey.  

This marks the first point-in-time survey conducted by the TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness, the newly appointed lead agency for the CoC in April 2024.  

Jacob Torner, vice president of programs at the TaskForce, said the group used new technology for the survey and called it the most comprehensive to date. 

“These numbers are more than statistics—they reflect real people facing real challenges, including vulnerable seniors, veterans, and children,” Torner said in a press release. “This data allows us to better strategize and implement the targeted solutions our region urgently needs. Very importantly, we hope it inspires the community to join us in the effort to end veteran homelessness in North Central Florida by 2026.” 

The CoC coordinated with over 100 community organizations and local governments for the survey, according to the press release.  

“We implemented new cutting-edge technology and expanded coverage across all counties in our region to ensure no one was missed, including those still displaced by the hurricanes we endured this past year,” Torner said.  

The annual survey is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for every CoC in the nation. 

Homelessness by county 

• Alachua County: 746  

• Bradford County: 25  

• Dixie County: 2  

• Levy County: 38  

• Putnam County: 76