Facts About Homelessness in Hillsborough County
Homeless Census - January 2007

Awareness of, and concern for, homeless people often exceeds a community’s knowledge of the issue. The primary purpose of this report is to provide the people of Hillsborough County and its wide variety of community stakeholders with a unique opportunity to understand its homeless population.

The results of the county-wide Homeless Census conducted on January 25, 2007 combined with the information from the sample survey conducted on the same day, provide Hillsborough County with an array of information which will serve as the basis for developing strategies for public and private agencies to respond to specific needs of homeless families and individuals.

The 2007 Homeless Census involved both a street-based and service-based enumeration of individuals who were homeless on January 25, 2007. The methodology used to count homeless persons included a simple count instrument designed to collect a small amount of identifier and demographic information from homeless adults encountered in order to help prevent duplication and provide for some statistical analysis, as well as a short survey, conducted during the enumeration. The following information was taken from the results of these instruments.

1. How many people are homeless in Hillsborough County on a given day?

There are just over 9,500 (9,532) homeless adults and children who either live on the streets, in emergency shelters or other temporary housing facilities on any given day in the Hillsborough County.

2. How many children were counted during the census?

16% of the homeless population was comprised of children (under 18 years old). The Hillsborough County Public Schools reported 1,574 homeless children enrolled district wide another 141 children under the age of 5 were counted on the streets and in services.

3. What is the population breakdown by gender?

Just over one-third (37%) of the homeless population are female; however the majority are male (63%).

4. What is the population breakdown by age?

The majority of the adult population is under 60 years old, those who reported their age between 19 and 59 comprised 78% of the population.  Adults over 60 accounted for 6% of the population, while children 18 and under made up 16% of those enumerated.

 5. How many veterans are on the streets?

18% of adults surveyed responded yes when asked if they had served on active duty in the U.S. Military.

 6. Where does the population reside?

The County was divided into four geographic regions based on the County Commission Districts. 18% reside in District One, 6% in District Two, 72% in District Three, and 4% in District Four.

 7. How many beds are available to the population?

There are currently 1,460 temporary beds (emergency and transitional) available to homeless men, women, and children on any given night. This means there are only enough beds for 15% of the homeless people in Hillsborough County.

For additional Information:

Demographics of Homeless Population in Hillsborough County
Includes comparison to 2005 homeless census (i.e. percent of males/females, ages, ethnicity, etc.)

Summary of Where Census Numbers were Gathered
(street and shelters, school system, jail, etc.)

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