New data obtained by News 12 reveals a disturbing rise in homelessness across Orange County with the number of people without shelter nearly doubling over the last two years and children making up half of those affected.

The nonprofit HONOR, which runs emergency shelters, a youth shelter and outreach programs in Orange, Ulster, Dutchess and Sullivan counties, shared its latest figures with News 12 this week. According to the organization, roughly 958 people are now homeless in Orange County on any given night — up from 779 in 2024 and 491 in 2023.

“This isn’t just a number. This is families, working people, seniors — and alarmingly, children,” said HONOR executive director Chris Molinelli. “Half of those experiencing homelessness in Orange County are under the age of 17. That should be deeply concerning to every resident.”

Molinelli attributes the local spike in homelessness to a combination of factors: rising housing costs, inflation and overall population growth.

“The price of housing, a medical emergency, or the loss of a job — it all adds up,” Molinelli said. “You’d be amazed. Many of the people we assist are working full time, even multiple jobs, but still can’t afford stable housing.”

He says HONOR’s shelters are “at capacity daily” and that the organization’s SOSCTI street outreach team — which includes case managers, clinical staff, and peer support — is active seven days a week in communities across the region.

The data is based on HONOR’s annual winter homelessness survey, which captures the number of sheltered and unsheltered people on a single night — typically one of the coldest of the year when demand for emergency shelter is highest.

In addition to HONOR’s data, News 12 obtained information from the Orange County Department of Social Services (DSS), which confirms a similar trend. The county reported a significant increase in emergency housing placements and requests over the past year, particularly in cities like Middletown and Newburgh.

HONOR says it helped more than 150 individuals secure permanent housing last year and is currently working with counties on new initiatives to expand services and housing support ahead of the winter months.

“Our mission is to meet people where they are — whether that’s in shelters, hotels, on the streets, or at soup kitchens,” said Molinelli. “The need has never been greater.”

If you or someone you know needs help, resources are available through local agencies, including HONOR at honorhelp.org or by calling 845-343-7115.