Inflation and housing costs drive rise in homelessness
The United States has reached a troubling new milestone in its homelessness crisis, with an estimated 771,480 individuals experiencing homelessness on a single night in January 2024. This marks an 18% increase from 2023, according to an annual assessment released by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on Friday.
The report highlights that approximately 23 out of every 10,000 people in the country, the world’s largest economy, were homeless. Key factors contributing to the increase include rising inflation, soaring housing costs, and stagnating wages for middle- and lower-income households.
“While this data is nearly a year old, and no longer reflects the situation we are seeing, we must focus on evidence-based efforts to prevent and end homelessness,” said HUD agency head Adrianne Todman in a statement.
Rising rent burdens households
Housing costs have been a major driver of the crisis, with the median rent in January 2024 reported to be 20% higher than in January 2021, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. The report also flagged the lingering effects of systemic racism and the ending of pandemic-era homelessness prevention programs as contributing factors.
Natural disasters and rising immigration further compounded the problem, displacing families and exacerbating the situation.
Homelessness among children surges
Children have borne the brunt of this year’s rise, with nearly 150,000 minors experiencing homelessness on a single night—a 33% increase from 2023. The report noted that children under the age of 18 represented the age group experiencing the most significant surge in homelessness.
Homelessness among families with children saw the largest single-year rise, with migration cited as a particularly notable factor in this demographic’s plight.
Racial disparities persist
The report also underscored the racial disparities within the homelessness crisis. While individuals identifying as Black, African American, or African comprise only 12% of the U.S. population, they account for 32% of the homeless population.
Some progress for veterans
Amid the grim statistics, the report highlighted one positive trend: homelessness among veterans fell to the lowest level on record. This decline reflects ongoing targeted efforts to support veterans through housing and employment initiatives.
The path forward
As the U.S. grapples with its worsening homelessness crisis, HUD’s findings call for urgent action to address systemic issues and expand evidence-based solutions. Policymakers and advocates emphasize the need for affordable housing, livable wages, and sustained support programs to reverse this alarming trend.