A “point in time” census of Boston’s homeless was made on Wednesday night as hundreds of volunteers fanned out across the city. Mayor Marty Walsh kicked off the annual count from Boston City Hall where organizers divided into teams with map routes and supplies.
The Mayor’s team spent most of the night in Downtown Crossing engaging with several homeless people on the streets. “I am encouraged this year meeting people I’ve seen before who have recently found housing. We’re making progress,” Walsh said while walking through downtown.
In the North End, City Councilor Lydia Edwards and a group checked the usual spots neat the skating rink, N. Washington Street bridge and neighborhood parks. The group stopped off at Bova’s at the end of the long night.
Now in its 38th year, the homeless census has seen a gradual decline with just over 6,300 people counted last year, down 5%, on the streets and in shelters. Walsh said the city has seen the most success in housing formerly homeless veterans. Earlier this year, city officials announced Boston’s Way Home, increasing resources to end chronic homelessness. The results of the Winter 2018 homeless census will be released in the coming weeks.
