The United States has witnessed a staggering 18.1% increase in homelessness this year, driven primarily by a severe shortage of affordable housing, devastating natural disasters, and a surge of migrants in various parts of the country.
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), more than 770,000 people were counted as homeless in January 2024.
The Affordable Housing Crisis
The lack of affordable housing has been identified as the primary factor behind the surge in homelessness. “Increased homelessness is the tragic, yet predictable, consequence of underinvesting in the resources and protections that help people find and maintain safe, affordable housing,” said Renee Willis, incoming interim CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition.
The end of pandemic assistance and soaring rents have further exacerbated the situation, making it increasingly difficult for many Americans to secure stable housing.
Impact on Families and Children
One of the most concerning trends is the nearly 40% rise in family homelessness, particularly in cities heavily impacted by the arrival of migrants such as Denver, Chicago, and New York City. Nearly 150,000 children experienced homelessness on a single night in 2024, reflecting a 33% increase from the previous year.
“No American should face homelessness, and the Biden-Harris Administration is committed to ensuring every family has access to the affordable, safe, and quality housing they deserve,” stated HUD Agency Head Adrianne Todman.
Natural Disasters and Homelessness
Natural disasters have also played a significant role in the rise of homelessness. The catastrophic Maui wildfire, the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century, left more than 5,200 people in emergency shelters in Hawaii.
Positive Developments
Despite the overall increase in homelessness, there have been some positive developments. Homelessness among veterans continued to decline, dropping 8% to 32,882 in 2024.
“The reduction in veteran homelessness offers us a clear roadmap for addressing homelessness on a larger scale,” said Ann Oliva, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness10. Several large cities, including Dallas and Los Angeles, have also seen a decrease in their homeless populations due to targeted efforts to increase housing and overhaul homeless systems.
The sharp increase in homelessness over the past two years contrasts with the progress made in the previous decade. As the affordable housing crisis deepens, federal, state, and local governments must invest in evidence-based solutions to prevent and end homelessness.
“With bipartisan support, adequate funding, and smart policy solutions, we can replicate this success and reduce homelessness nationwide,” Oliva emphasized.
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