What is driving the historic increase in the number of homeless individuals in the United States in 2024? Due to prolonged inflation and high housing prices, among other factors, the number of homeless people in the United States has seen a record increase this year. This information was reported by AFP on Friday (December 27) citing a government report.
What is driving the historic increase: According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) annual assessment report, the number of homeless persons on a single night in January 2024 was roughly 771,480, up 18% from 2023. This means that in the world’s largest economy, approximately 23 out of every 10,000 individuals is homeless.
According to the National Low-Income Housing Coalition, the average rent for mid-range dwellings in January 2024 will be 20% higher than in January 2021. As a result, rising housing expenses have increased the number of homeless persons.
In addition to rising housing costs, the HUD report cites “stagnant wages” for middle and low-income families and the ongoing impact of systematic racism.
Displacement caused by natural disasters, increased migration, and the discontinuation of homelessness prevention measures launched during the COVID-19 pandemic are also significant factors.
