Philadelphia reports its homeless population dropped 26%. Click image for full report

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter says there are 26 percent fewer people living on the streets of the city. This year the number of homeless people living day-to-day on the streets was 395 compared to 532 in 2008. Project H.O.M.E. conducted the annual count and credits the city for providing more developing additional permanent housing for the decrease.

Mayor Nutter released a statement today saying “I am proud to announce that we have made substantial progress in tackling homelessness in Philadelphia though obviously the work goes on,”

The Philadelphia homeless numbers are included in the Status Report on Hunger and Homelessness report released today by the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

In the report it is noted that the City of Philadelphia reported the second highest increase in the number of individuals who entered permanent supportive housing over the past year (643 individuals).  These are individuals who have moved out of shelters and successfully exited treatment programs into permanent housing.