Paris, February 20, 2026 – The latest count from the 2026 Solidarity Night (Nuit de la Solidarité) reveals a concerning increase in the number of homeless individuals across Greater Paris. A total of 4,940 people were identified as experiencing homelessness, a notable rise from the 4,292 recorded in the previous year. This ninth edition of the initiative, organized by the City of Paris, aimed to provide an accurate snapshot of the homeless population in the capital and its surrounding metropolitan area.
Rising Numbers Across the Region
The census, conducted in January 2026, found 3,857 individuals living on the streets of Paris itself, while an additional 1,083 were identified within the wider Grand Paris metropolitan area. This upward trend underscores an ongoing humanitarian challenge, with the total figure consistently increasing year after year.
The methodology for this comprehensive count involved thousands of volunteers, mobilized by the City of Paris and over 2,200 individuals across 33 cities in the Grand Paris Metropolis. These teams meticulously combed through various locations, including streets, car parks, metro and RER stations, train stations, hospitals, parks, and gardens, within a three-hour window. Volunteers also conducted anonymous questionnaires to gather more detailed information about the situations of those encountered.
Impact of Economic Factors and Housing Shortages
The report highlights that the growing number of homeless individuals is a direct consequence of escalating inflation and a challenging economic climate, which continue to severely impact residents of the Île-de-France region. The difficulty in securing affordable housing, coupled with an insufficient number of places in emergency shelters, exacerbates the crisis. The health crisis had already significantly worsened the situation for many vulnerable individuals, and these new figures suggest a continued deterioration.
Beyond the visible street homelessness, individuals without accommodation were also found in less obvious locations, such as on the embankments of the périphérique (ring road), in makeshift camps, and within the RATP and SNCF transport networks. The number of homeless individuals identified in RATP and SNCF stations saw a significant increase of 40%.
Key Locations and Disparities
Specific communes within the Grand Paris area showed particularly high numbers. Saint-Denis recorded 395 homeless individuals, a substantial increase from 203 in January 2025. Similarly, Saint-Ouen identified 133 individuals, up from 22. Conversely, four communes-Chaville, Livry-Gargan, Villeneuve-la-Garenne, and Villetaneuse-reported no individuals encountered during the census.
This detailed enumeration provides crucial data for understanding the scope of homelessness and for developing more effective strategies to address the needs of this vulnerable population. The City of Paris emphasizes the importance of these regular counts in informing policy and resource allocation to combat social exclusion.
Looking Ahead: Addressing the Crisis
The findings of the 2026 Solidarity Night serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for increased support and resources for homeless individuals. The ongoing economic pressures and housing crisis necessitate a concerted effort from local authorities, social services, and community organizations to provide sustainable solutions and improve the living conditions for those without a stable home.
The City of Paris continues to call for a more robust and comprehensive national strategy to tackle homelessness, emphasizing that the current provisions are insufficient to meet the rising demand for shelter and support services.
Source: sortiraparis.com
