Member-only story
America’s Homeless Population Just Hit Record Highs with Over 650,000 People without Access to Housing
Homelessness in the United States has reached a record high, with over 650,000 people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January 2023, marking a 12% increase from the previous year.
This surge is the largest one-year jump since the Department of Housing and Urban Development began tracking homelessness. The rise in homelessness is attributed to various factors, including the lack of affordable housing, rapidly rising rent, and the end of pandemic aid. The increase is widespread, affecting individuals, families with children, veterans, and various demographic groups.
The report also highlights that federal housing aid reaches only about a quarter of eligible households, and a growing share of households pay more than half their income for shelter. The data indicates a concerning trend of rising homelessness in the country, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address this issue.