CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - Homelessness in Champaign County rose slightly over the past year, though local officials are encouraged by a decrease in unsheltered residents and homeless youth.
The Champaign County Continuum of Service Providers to the Homeless (CSPH) released the results of its annual Point-in-Time (PIT) count conducted on Jan. 22, 2026. More than 40 volunteers identified 364 individuals experiencing homelessness in the county—a slight increase of nine people from the 355 recorded in January 2025.
According to the data, the housing status of those surveyed includes:
- Unsheltered: 52 individuals (down from 56 in 2025)
- Emergency shelters: 175 individuals
- Transitional housing: 137 individuals
The count also showed a decline in homeless youth, with 68 individuals under the age of 18 identified, down from 75 the previous year.
“While we saw a slight increase in the number of individuals experiencing homelessness this year, we are encouraged by the decrease in unsheltered households across Champaign County,” said CSPH Coordinator Mikayla Miller, attributing the progress to expanded family emergency shelters and community coordination.
Danielle Chynoweth, CSPH Chair, noted that homelessness is primarily a housing affordability issue. She announced that the 50-member consortium is developing a comprehensive strategic plan to end homelessness in the county, scheduled for release in October.
The annual winter count is mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to help determine federal funding and resource allocation.
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