Homelessness in the U.S. has reached a new record. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) shared shocking numbers in its latest report. Over 770,000 people were homeless in January. They were either on the streets or in shelters. That’s an 18% increase from last year. It’s also the highest number since HUD began tracking in 2007.
The January “point-in-time” survey across U.S. cities shows a grim reality. Advocates for affordable housing have warned about this for years. Jeff Olivet, former head of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, says this problem has been growing since 2017. “Families and individuals are still struggling,” he said. The pandemic’s economic impact hurt the poorest people the most. Federal aid gave temporary relief, but costs soared after it ended. Higher rents and living expenses like food have pushed many over the edge.
The Housing Shortage Crisis
A lack of affordable housing is the main problem. Research shows that when rents rise, homelessness rises too. Pandemic-era assistance helped for a while, but the housing crisis remains. Olivet says, “When rents go up, homelessness follows.”
Migration’s Impact on Homelessness
Migration has made the crisis worse, according to HUD. Asylum seekers escaping danger in their home countries added to the problem. In 13 cities affected by migration, family homelessness more than doubled. Overall, family homelessness rose 39% from last year.
Chronic Homelessness and Youth Struggles
Chronic homelessness and youth homelessness have also increased. More people are living outside instead of in shelters. On a positive note, homelessness among veterans hit a record low. Years of investment in housing and support services made this possible.
Natural Disasters and Homelessness
Natural disasters like extreme weather have added to the problem. HUD’s report highlighted the Maui fire last year. It left 5,200 people in shelters by January.
Undercounted and Overlooked
The report likely underestimates the problem. It doesn’t include people staying with family or friends to avoid the streets. HUD officials think numbers in some areas have improved since January. Policy changes and economic shifts might explain this.
Policy Changes and Signs of Hope for Reducing Homelessness
President Biden’s June actions on asylum claims helped reduce migrant numbers. Cities like Denver, Chicago, and New York reported fewer migrants in shelters. Rent hikes have slowed in many places. Some cities, like Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Dallas, even saw homelessness decline this year.
Olivet sees hope in targeted investments. “If we focus on getting people off the streets and into housing quickly, numbers can go down,” he said. But challenges remain. Inflation, high interest rates, and a labor shortage in construction keep housing costs high.
Policy Debates and Divisions
The Biden administration has pushed cities to relax zoning laws to allow more affordable housing. It also increased funding for housing vouchers and subsidies. But opposition is growing. Allies of President-elect Donald Trump want to cut federal housing funding. They propose using the money for mandatory treatment for addiction or mental health issues instead.
Trump supports strict rules against sleeping outside. He’s also suggested placing homeless people in mental institutions. States and cities are making it illegal to sleep in public spaces. This year, the Supreme Court allowed cities to enforce these rules even if people have nowhere else to go. More people are getting citations or being arrested because of this.
Finding Real Solutions
Housing advocates worry these policies will make things worse. Olivet believes the solution needs many approaches. “We need investment in all types of solutions,” he said. “It’s not either-or. We need everything.”
Public frustration with homelessness is growing. Clearing tents from the streets might please some, but it doesn’t fix the problem. Advocates say we need to address the real causes: lack of affordable housing, mental health services, and addiction treatment. Without real solutions, the numbers will keep climbing.
The homelessness crisis needs urgent action. Cities must invest in housing and support services. Federal policies should prioritize affordable housing. Without this, more Americans will end up homeless.
