US homelessness hits all-time high with a dramatic 12% increase
US Homelessness Reaches Record High After Dramatic 12% Spike
The United States has experienced a staggering 12 percent increase in homelessness this year, reaching its highest reported level, according to federal officials. The number of homeless individuals now stands at approximately 653,000, the highest since the country began conducting yearly surveys in 2007. This represents an increase of about 70,650 compared to the previous year.
The latest data reveals that a significant factor behind this surge is the number of people becoming homeless for the first time. This increase has put an end to the downward trend in family homelessness that began in 2012.
“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,” emphasized Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge in a prepared statement.
Over the past decade, the US had made steady progress in reducing the homeless population, with a particular focus on providing housing for veterans. The number of homeless individuals dropped from around 637,000 in 2010 to approximately 554,000 in 2017. However, the count increased to about 580,000 in 2020 and remained relatively stable over the next two years.
Jeff Olivet, the executive director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, a federal agency, stated, “While numerous factors drive homelessness, the most significant causes are the shortage of affordable homes and the high cost of housing that have left many Americans living paycheck to paycheck and one crisis away from homelessness.”
Within the overall rise in homelessness, there was an almost 11 percent increase among individuals, a 7.4 percent increase among veterans, and a 15.5 percent increase among families with children. Additionally, more than 25 percent of homeless adults were over the age of 54.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) highlighted the extraordinarily challenging rental housing conditions in 2022, with rents increasing at a rate more than twice that of previous years. However, HUD noted that this trend has subsided since the January count.
President Joe Biden’s budget for this fiscal year has recommended guaranteed vouchers for low-income veterans and youths aging out of foster care, among other investments aimed at reducing homelessness.
California, New York, Florida, and Washington accounted for over half of the homeless population in the country. While California is estimated to have about 28 percent of the nation’s homeless, its portion increased at about half the national rate. New York, on the other hand, experienced a homelessness increase more than three times the national rate.
New Hampshire, New Mexico, Colorado, and New York saw the largest percentage increases in homelessness. In total, the number of homeless people increased in 41 states and the District of Columbia, while decreasing in just nine states.
However, HUD also noted that some communities defied the national trend. Chattanooga, Tennessee, and the surrounding region, for example, saw a remarkable 49 percent drop in homelessness compared to the 2022 count. Other communities that experienced a decrease were Dallas, with a 3.8 percent decrease, and Newark and Essex County, New Jersey, with a 16.7 percent drop.
Several cities were also commended for their efforts in addressing homelessness. Houston successfully closed numerous homeless encampments across the city, resulting in a 17 percent reduction in unsheltered homelessness. San Jose, California, and Tucson, Arizona, were also recognized for their improvements.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
The post US Homelessness Reaches Record High After Dramatic 12% Spike appeared first on The Western Journal.
What strategies can be implemented to address the root causes of homelessness and ensure long-term solutions
N’s administration has made addressing homelessness a priority, allocating significant funding to combat the issue. The American Rescue Plan, passed earlier this year, included $5 billion for emergency housing vouchers to assist individuals and families at risk of homelessness. Additionally, the Build Back Better agenda includes provisions to increase affordable housing options and create more supportive services for those experiencing homelessness.
Despite these efforts, experts warn that more needs to be done to address the root causes of homelessness, such as affordable housing shortages and income inequality. The lack of affordable homes and rising rental prices continue to be major barriers for individuals and families seeking stable housing.
Advocacy groups are calling for increased investments in affordable housing programs and expanded social safety nets to prevent individuals and families from experiencing homelessness in the first place. These groups also stress the importance of providing support services to help individuals quickly exit homelessness and regain stability.
The record-high homelessness numbers serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing crisis and the need for innovative solutions. Housing providers, nonprofits, and government agencies must work together to address this pressing issue and ensure that every person has access to safe and affordable housing.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact communities across the United States, it is crucial that efforts to address homelessness are coupled with strategies to address the economic fallout of the crisis. This includes providing financial assistance and job placement services to individuals who have lost their homes due to job loss or other pandemic-related factors.
The record-high homelessness numbers underscore the urgency and importance of finding sustainable solutions. While progress had been made in recent years, the recent spike in homelessness highlights the fragility of the progress achieved and the need for continued investment and support.
Addressing homelessness requires a multifaceted approach that includes affordable housing, supportive services, and policies aimed at combating income inequality. By working together, communities and governments can make significant strides in reducing homelessness and providing support to those in need.
In conclusion, the dramatic 12% spike in homelessness in the United States is a concerning trend that demands attention and action. The record-high number of homeless individuals highlights the urgent need for affordable housing, support services, and comprehensive policies to address income inequality. It is crucial that government agencies, advocacy groups, and communities come together to find sustainable solutions and provide assistance to those who need it most. Only through concerted efforts can we hope to reduce homelessness and ensure that every person has a place to call home.
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