Homelessness in the US Surges to Record Highs in Early 2024, HUD Reports

 

The United States experienced a sharp rise in homelessness at the beginning of 2024, with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reporting an 18% increase in unhoused individuals compared to the previous year. The January count recorded 771,480 people without homes, surpassing the population of Seattle and marking the highest figure ever documented in the annual tally.

The surge affected nearly all demographic groups, with families and children bearing the brunt. Nearly 150,000 children were counted among the unhoused population, reflecting the growing vulnerability of young Americans.

One exception to the upward trend was among veterans. HUD noted an 8% decrease in veteran homelessness from 2023, attributing the improvement to sustained federal funding and targeted initiatives. Veteran homelessness has decreased by 55% since 2009.

HUD identified several factors behind the rising homelessness rates, including:

• Affordable Housing Crisis: Nationwide shortages have left many families unable to secure stable housing.
• Economic Challenges: Rising inflation and stagnant wages have compounded the issue.
• Systemic Issues: Racism, public health crises, and natural disasters have disproportionately affected vulnerable communities.
• Policy Changes: The expiration of pandemic-era support measures, such as the expanded child tax credit, has removed critical safety nets.

Natural disasters, such as the devastating Maui fire and hurricanes Helene and Milton, left thousands displaced. In January alone, over 5,200 individuals sought refuge in disaster shelters in Hawaii.

The report also shed light on demographic disparities:

• Older Adults: Those aged 55 and above now account for one in every five unhoused individuals.
• Racial Disparities: Black Americans, who comprise 12% of the U.S. population, represent 32% of people experiencing homelessness.
• Shelter Populations: Women and girls are more likely to live in shelters (72%), whereas 70% of men and boys remain unsheltered.

American Indians and Alaska Natives reported the lowest shelter rates, with fewer than half finding refuge in formal housing systems.

Amid the crisis, over 100 cities have enacted anti-encampment policies following a Supreme Court ruling permitting bans on public camping, even when no shelter beds are available.

Despite these challenges, some cities, such as Dallas and Los Angeles, have implemented successful initiatives. Dallas’s “Street to Home” program and Los Angeles’s investments in affordable housing have shown measurable reductions in local homelessness rates.

“Increased homelessness is the tragic, yet predictable, consequence of underinvesting in resources and protections that help people secure safe, affordable housing,” said Renee Willis, interim CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition.

HUD Secretary Adrianne Todman emphasized the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to tackling the issue. “No American should face homelessness,” she said, urging a continued focus on evidence-based strategies to prevent and end homelessness.

As the nation grapples with its highest homelessness levels, advocates are calling for systemic reforms to address the root causes and ensure housing for all Americans.