The United States saw a staggering 12 per cent surge in homelessness over the past year, which calls for support, effective solutions, and preventative measures, according to the latest report from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. As rising rents and the disappearance of pandemic aid take their toll, the snapshot taken by HUD in January unveiled a grim reality—653,000 people experiencing homelessness, the highest count since the initiation of the yearly point-in-time survey in 2007.
HOMELESS.;A STARK DISPARITY
On a single night in 2023, approximately 20 of every 10,000 people in the U.S. found themselves homeless. A stark disparity emerged, with people of colour bearing a disproportionate burden in this crisis, according to HUD.
FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN
The report highlighted a 16% increase in homelessness among families with children and a worrisome 7% rise among veterans. However, the most surprising revelation was the 40% jump in homelessness among Asian and Asian Americans, marking the largest percentage increase. In sheer numbers, Hispanic or Latino individuals saw the most significant increase, with over 39,000 more people experiencing homelessness in 2023 compared to the previous year.
THE NEED FOR SUPPORT
A staggering figure of 70,650 more people recorded as homeless in 2023 compared to 2022 serves as a poignant indicator of the gravity of the situation, prompting urgent attention and action. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge emphasized the pressing need for support, stating, “This data underscores the urgent need for support for proven solutions and strategies that help people quickly exit homelessness and that prevent homelessness in the first place.”
The backdrop to this alarming increase in homelessness is a trend that runs counter to the declining numbers observed in previous years. The recent surge is, in part, attributed to the cessation of pandemic-era aid programs, including the federal moratorium on evictions that concluded in 2021. From 2010 to 2017, the number of homeless people in the U.S. saw a decline from 637,000 to 554,000. Despite reaching around 580,000 in 2020, the figures remained relatively consistent until the notable spike observed in 2023.
As the nation grapples with this pressing issue, the call for support, effective solutions, and preventative measures becomes increasingly urgent. The stark rise in homelessness underscores the need for comprehensive strategies to address the multifaceted challenges faced by thousands of Americans.
