DALLAS – A first study estimates the cost homelessness in Dallas and Collin counties to nearly $194 million in 2023.

While Dallas is one of five large cities in the country to report a decrease in homelessness in recent years, Dallas County Health and Human Services Study is the first comprehensive look at the costs of caring for people living on the streets.

“We really wanted to see what information is out there to make an estimate of the economic impact and cost of homelessness,” said DCHHS Director Dr. Philip Huang.

The first estimate was based on information reported in the Housing Forward 2023 point-in-time survey.

The survey found that 4,410 live on the streets in Dallas and Collin counties. Care costs last year totaled nearly $194 million.

“Based on the best information we could find – it’s an estimate; it’s not an exact number — but I’ve tried to put some basic numbers on it,” said Dr. Huang. “It could continue to evolve as we get better numbers and better information. But based on what’s out there now, that’s what we’re finding.”

Medical treatment accounts for about a third of this total estimate at just over $60 million.

“We look at and know that the homeless population has increased utilization of medical hospitalization, behavioral health. In terms of determining the quantity and magnitude, it’s certainly a lot, but put a number on it.”

Add another $16 million for the homeless who could also end up in jail for a while.

Housing Forward has been able to find shelter for many homeless people. As of 2021, it reported a 24% drop in the number of people living on the streets.

Dr. Huang believes that housing people will help with the cost of caring for the homeless.

This study, which is the first of its kind in Dallas, provides Dallas and Collin counties with a snapshot of the homeless safety net.

“It’s our first attempt to understand the scale and costs of some of the things that affect all of us in Dallas County,” said Dr. Huang.

Counting the point in time usually takes place on a single night in January. It is used to measure homelessness and track progress towards reducing the homeless population.

Dr. Huang says getting as many people off the streets as possible would help reduce the burden on health systems, taxpayers and the community as a whole.