Rising housing costs, economic instability, and systemic discrimination contribute to the growing number of first-time homeless families in Florida.
Fort Lauderdale, FL – The number of families experiencing homelessness for the first time in Florida is on the rise, driven by a combination of economic factors, housing shortages, and systemic discrimination.
As the Sunshine State’s affordable housing crisis deepens, a growing number of Florida families are experiencing homelessness for the first time. According to recent data, first-time homelessness has increased by 15% in the past year, with many families struggling to find stable housing due to discriminatory practices and a lack of affordable options.
The Growing Crisis
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the number of families with children experiencing homelessness in Florida grew by 21.6% from 2022 to 2023. This increase translates to approximately 1,400 more families falling into homelessness for the first time. The primary drivers of this surge include rising housing costs, stagnant wages, and a lack of affordable housing.