The United States is grappling with a significant surge in homelessness, with a reported 18.1% increase this year, according to new data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The increase in the homeless population is largely attributed to the ongoing shortage of affordable housing, as well as the impact of natural disasters and a rise in migration to several parts of the country.
As of January 2024, more than 770,000 people were counted as homeless in the U.S. The figure, however, excludes individuals who are temporarily staying with friends or family. This marks a concerning continuation of the trend observed in 2023, when homelessness rose by 12%, driven by soaring rents and the expiration of pandemic-era assistance programs. HUD’s report revealed that homelessness now affects 23 out of every 10,000 people in the U.S., with Black Americans disproportionately represented among the homeless population.
Adrianne Todman, HUD Agency Head, emphasized the administration’s commitment to addressing the homelessness crisis. “No American should face homelessness,” Todman stated, vowing to focus on evidence-based efforts aimed at preventing and ending homelessness.
Family Homelessness and Migration
One of the most alarming trends identified in the report is the nearly 40% rise in family homelessness. This increase was particularly notable in cities impacted by high levels of migration, such as Denver, Chicago, and New York City. Family homelessness more than doubled in 13 communities affected by migrants, while rising by less than 8% in other areas. Nearly 150,000 children were reported to have experienced homelessness in just one night, reflecting a staggering 33% increase from the previous year.
Natural disasters also played a significant role in the surge in homelessness. The catastrophic wildfire in Maui, the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century, displaced over 5,200 individuals who were forced to seek shelter in emergency accommodations.
The Impact of Underinvestment in Housing Resources
Experts and advocates have long warned that the rising homelessness figures are a direct consequence of underinvestment in affordable housing and social safety nets. Renee Willis, incoming interim CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, expressed concern, stating, “As advocates, researchers, and people with lived experience have warned, the number of people experiencing homelessness continues to increase as more people struggle to afford sky-high housing costs.”
Meanwhile, several U.S. communities are grappling with how to address homelessness. As tent camps become more visible, particularly in Western states, local governments have implemented bans on camping, a move that has drawn criticism from advocates who argue it criminalizes homelessness.
A Ray of Hope: Declining Veteran Homelessness
Despite the overall rise in homelessness, there is some positive news. Homelessness among U.S. veterans has decreased by 8%, with the number of unsheltered veterans dropping by 11% in 2024. Experts see this trend as a model for addressing homelessness nationwide. Ann Oliva, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, pointed out that with bipartisan support and adequate funding, it is possible to replicate the success seen with veterans and reduce homelessness across the country.
Success Stories from Major Cities
In some cities, efforts to combat homelessness have yielded positive results. Dallas, for example, saw a 16% decrease in homelessness between 2022 and 2024, thanks to a revamp of its homeless services. Los Angeles, which has been increasing housing for the homeless, reported a 5% drop in unsheltered homelessness since 2023. However, California remains home to the largest homeless population in the U.S., followed by New York, Washington, Florida, and Massachusetts.
A Longstanding Crisis
The rise in homelessness over the past two years marks a sharp contrast to the progress made in the previous decade. Between 2007 and 2017, the U.S. made steady progress in reducing homelessness, particularly by focusing on housing veterans. The number of homeless people dropped from about 637,000 in 2010 to 554,000 in 2017. However, the count increased again in 2020 and held steady in subsequent years, largely due to the pandemic and emergency relief measures. The latest numbers highlight the urgent need for long-term solutions to the nation’s housing affordability crisis.
Sources By Agencies
