A new survey of guests at Cincinnati’s largest soup kitchen shows a growing number of people experiencing homelessness in Over-the-Rhine.
Our Daily Bread is located across from Findlay Market on Race Street and has provided hot meals and a social space for people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity in Over-the-Rhine since 1985. The nonprofit released results this week from its 2025 guest survey of 101 people in September and October.
Survey results
The findings indicate that 61% of respondents are currently unsheltered, up from 57% in 2019, and that more guests are sleeping outdoors, in vehicles or in abandoned buildings rather than in homes, apartments or shelters.
The share of guests sleeping outside increased by 13% over the past six years, according to the survey report. At the same time, the organization’s annual meal count has doubled since 2016, rising from about 100,000 meals a year to roughly 200,000 in 2025. Most guests remain concentrated in Over-the-Rhine, with 60% reporting they currently stay in the neighborhood. About 61% said they walked to the soup kitchen, while another 30% relied on public transportation.
“Our guests were very generous with their time and extremely candid about their experiences,” Executive Director Georgine Getty said in a statement. “We are releasing this information in the hopes that we can work together as a community to help meet their changing needs.”
Demographics are also shifting younger, according to the survey. In 2019, the average guest was between 46 and 64 years old. In 2025, the largest age group was 26 to 45, though the number of guests over 65 increased by 6%.
When asked how they lost housing, the largest share of respondents either declined to answer or said they preferred not to disclose. Among those who did respond, the leading cause was issues with a landlord, including evictions related to late or partial rent, unresolved maintenance problems or leases being terminated so units could be re-rented at higher rates. Job loss, relationship changes, incarceration and substance use were also cited, though at lower levels.
Income data in the report underscores the role of public assistance in keeping many Our Daily Bread guests afloat. Thirty-one percent said they rely on Social Security or disability benefits, while 29% receive SNAP food assistance.
“It is hard to predict what impact recent federal cuts to these programs will have on the guests of Our Daily Bread,” reads a note in the report.
Food insecurity remains acute. For 30% of respondents, Our Daily Bread is their primary source of food. More than 80% said they would like the organization to expand to weekend service hours, with the strongest interest in weekend mornings and afternoons.
Despite the challenges, nearly all respondents said they felt welcome and respected at the facility. Ninety-six percent reported that staff and volunteers always treated them with respect and made them feel welcome.