U.S. Homelessness Jumps by 18.1% in 2024 Amid Housing Crisis and Disasters

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The United States is facing a homelessness crisis like never before, with the number of homeless individuals soaring by 18.1% this year.

According to federal data, more than 770,000 people were counted as homeless in January 2024—a heartbreaking reality shaped by the lack of affordable housing, devastating natural disasters, and an influx of migrants seeking refuge in major cities.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released the report on Friday, revealing a grim snapshot of homelessness across the country. These numbers exclude individuals who are staying temporarily with friends or family due to the absence of permanent housing, meaning the actual figures could be even higher.

One of the most staggering findings is the sharp rise in family homelessness, which has jumped by nearly 40%. In cities such as New York, Denver, and Chicago, family homelessness has more than doubled, largely due to the strain caused by the arrival of migrants. Tragically, nearly 150,000 children were homeless on a single night in 2024—a 33% increase compared to last year.

This statistic underscores the human cost of the housing crisis, as families are left scrambling for safety and stability. “No child should ever have to wonder where they’ll sleep at night,” one housing advocate commented, calling for immediate action to address the rising tide of homelessness.

Natural disasters have also played a devastating role. Last year’s catastrophic wildfire in Maui, Hawaii—the deadliest in over a century—forced more than 5,200 people into emergency shelters on the night of the nationwide count. Meanwhile, soaring rents and the expiration of pandemic-era financial assistance have pushed many families to the brink.

“Increased homelessness is the tragic, yet predictable, consequence of underinvesting in affordable housing and community resources,” said Renee Willis, interim CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition.

The Biden-Harris Administration has pledged to combat homelessness through evidence-based policies. “No American should face homelessness,” HUD Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman said, adding that the federal government is committed to ensuring every family has access to safe and affordable housing.

However, critics argue that current strategies fall short. Robert Marbut Jr., former director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, said in a statement, “We need to focus on treating mental illness and substance abuse while emphasizing job training programs.”

Meanwhile, cities in Western states are tightening rules on outdoor camping as public frustration grows over encampments. A recent Supreme Court ruling has allowed communities to enforce camping bans, sparking debates about criminalizing homelessness versus addressing its root causes.

Amid the grim statistics, there is some good news. Homelessness among veterans continues to decline, dropping 8% in 2024. The number of unsheltered veterans saw an even steeper decline of 11%. Advocates say this success provides a blueprint for broader efforts.

“The progress we’ve made with veteran homelessness shows that with the right funding, bipartisan support, and smart policies, we can turn the tide on homelessness nationwide,” said Ann Oliva, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness.

Despite these small victories, the overall rise in homelessness paints a sobering picture. The current numbers represent 23 out of every 10,000 Americans, with Black individuals disproportionately affected. California remains the epicenter of the crisis, followed by New York, Washington, Florida, and Massachusetts.

For a nation that once made significant progress in reducing homelessness—particularly between 2010 and 2017—this sharp reversal is a wake-up call. Advocates and policymakers alike stress the urgent need for investment in housing, mental health services, and economic support to reverse this troubling trend and provide every American with the dignity of a home.