The number of people experiencing homelessness in the US rose 12 % to a historic high, mainly due to those newly homeless.
More than 650,000 people were homeless overnight in January 2023, the highest number since data collection began in 2007, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Compared to January 2022, the number of homeless people is an increase of about 70,650.
HUD notes that this increase in homelessness is “largely due” to those who are homeless for the first time in their lives. The spike comes amid a rapid depletion of pandemic funds as rents continue to skyrocket across the country.
“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,” House and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge said in a prepared statement.
According to the research, some of the most important reasons for the situation are cuts in coronavirus pandemic assistance and the cost of housing, which has become unaffordable for more Americans.
“This rate of rental growth has now moderated thanks to housing under construction becoming available for rent in the coming year, but the supply shortage of 2022 likely contributed to this increase in rents and homelessness in 2022,” it added.
28% of the homeless in the US, or about 186,100 people, are family members with children. That number increased by more than 25,000 between 2022 and 2023, ending a downward trend in this group since 2012.
