Ever wandered down a crowded city street, neon lights flashing, traffic humming, only to spot someone curled beneath a blanket, trying to sleep through another night without a roof overhead? It’s a scene far more common than the glossy postcards suggest.
According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, more than 771,480 people are homeless on any given night, driven by the nation’s affordability crisis. But what’s even more surprising is that this crisis is happening in some of the most famous, wealthiest cities in the world. How is it that cities we admire for their opportunity, culture, and prosperity also have such a massive homelessness problem?
Let’s take a closer look at the 12 urban areas bearing the brunt of this crisis.
Los Angeles
The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) 2024 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count reported 75,312 people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles County…