Homelessness in the U.S. reaches record high, over 770,000 without shelter
text_fields
The United States has hit a troubling milestone in 2024, with homelessness reaching its highest recorded level, driven by persistent inflation, soaring housing costs, and other socio-economic factors.
According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) annual report, an estimated 771,480 people experienced homelessness on a single night in January 2024 - an 18% increase from 2023.
The report translates this figure to approximately 23 out of every 10,000 individuals in the U.S., underscoring the severity of the crisis in the world's largest economy.
Housing affordability has been a key driver, with median rent in January 2024 rising 20% compared to January 2021, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. Other contributing factors include stagnating wages for lower- and middle-income workers, systemic racism, natural disasters causing displacement, increasing immigration, and the end of homelessness prevention programs introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"While this data is nearly a year old and may not fully reflect current conditions, it underscores the urgency of focusing on evidence-based solutions to prevent and end homelessness," said Adrianne Todman, HUD Secretary, in a statement.
Homelessness among children saw a dramatic 33% surge from 2023, with nearly 150,000 children experiencing homelessness on a single night in 2024. Children under 18 represented the most significant rise across age groups.
Families with children also experienced the steepest increase in homelessness, with migration cited as a particularly significant factor.
The report highlighted racial disparities in homelessness, noting that Black individuals and families remain disproportionately affected. Despite making up 12% of the U.S. population, Black Americans account for 32% of the homeless population.
One bright spot in the data is the continued decline in homelessness among veterans, which has fallen to its lowest recorded level.