Federal report shows rise in homelessness

Over 770,000 people were homeless in the United States as of January 2024, an 18% bump compared with 2023 data, according to a report released Friday. The Department of Housing and Urban Development, which measures the homeless population on a single night, found record homelessness in nearly all of its statistical groups. Families with children had the largest jump, with nearly 40% more people in families with children experiencing homelessness from 2023-2024, according to the report. Specifically, about 150,000 children experienced homelessness on a given night in 2024, marking a 33% increase from the previous year.

What caused the rise in numbers? The department cited a national housing crisis and inflation as prime factors attributing to the growth in homelessness. Officials also pointed to residual effects from the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters as wider factors influencing homelessness.

Did the report have any good news? Homelessness among veterans dropped by about 8% from 2023-2024. The decrease marked a 55% drop in homelessness among veterans over the last 15 years, according to the report.

Dig deeper: Read Lauren Canterberry’s report on locals combatting homelessness in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.