Additional Coverage:
- Homelessness rates jumped by double digits in 2024 as Americans battled to afford housing (newsbreak.com)
Homelessness on the Rise in the US
Homelessness has surged in the US, with over 771,800 people living without shelter in 2024. This represents a significant increase of 18.1% compared to 2023.
Contributing Factors
The rise in homelessness is attributed to several factors, including rising housing costs, an influx of migrants, and natural disasters. Housing affordability has become a major issue in many cities, with limited options for low-income families. Additionally, some communities have implemented stricter laws against sleeping in public spaces, further exacerbating the problem.
Undercounting the Issue
The official homeless count is likely an underestimation, as it only captures data from a single night in January. Experts say that people often seek shelter in cars or other structures during winter, which are not counted in the survey.
Progress with Veterans Homelessness
While overall homelessness has increased, the Biden administration has made progress in reducing homelessness among veterans. The number of homeless veterans has decreased by nearly 12% during his term. This success is attributed to targeted resources and collaboration between the Department of Veterans Affairs and HUD.
Need for a Wider Safety Net
Experts emphasize the need for a broader safety net to address homelessness. They advocate for assuming that all homeless individuals are housing-ready and eliminating up-front requirements for housing assistance. This approach has proven effective in reducing veteran homelessness in Los Angeles.
Call for Action
Advocates urge local leaders and policymakers to invest in strategies that keep people in their homes and expand access to resources for the homeless. They believe that with bipartisan leadership and dedicated resources, the US can make significant progress in addressing this critical issue.