U.S. Homelessness surged an alarming 18.1% increase last year, marking one of the most significant rises in recent history. The surge is largely attributed to a lack of affordable housing, compounded by devastating natural disasters and an influx of migrants in major urban areas, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

“These announcements reflect HUD’s unwavering commitment to addressing the root causes of homelessness and advancing innovative solutions.”

Adrienne Todman, HUD Deputy Secretary

Key Findings from the HUD Report:

• In January 2024, federally mandated counts identified over 770,000 people experiencing homelessness. This figure excludes individuals staying temporarily with friends or family due to housing insecurity.
• The overall homelessness rate now stands at 23 out of every 10,000 people in the U.S., with Black Americans disproportionately affected.
• Family homelessness has spiked by nearly 40%. Cities like Denver, Chicago, and New York City, saw rates more than double due to the impact of migrant arrivals.
• Nearly 150,000 children experienced homelessness on a single night in 2024, reflecting a 33% increase from 2023.

Factors driving U.S. Homelessness

HUD cites several contributing factors to this upward trend, including:

• Skyrocketing Housing Costs: Rising rents and the expiration of pandemic-era housing assistance continue to strain families nationwide.
• Natural Disasters: Events such as the catastrophic Maui wildfire have displaced thousands, with over 5,200 people in Hawaii staying in emergency shelters during the January count.
• Policy Gaps: Advocates from the National Low Income Housing Coalition highlight insufficient investment in affordable housing and support services as a primary cause.

Policy and Advocacy Responses: HUD Deputy Secretary, Adrian Todman, also reaffirmed the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to addressing homelessness, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based solutions. 

Mixed Progress Across Communities: While the overall trend is concerning, some communities have reported success:

• Veterans: Homelessness among veterans dropped by 8%, with a significant 11% decline in unsheltered veterans.
• Cities Leading Change: Dallas reported a 16% decrease in homelessness between 2022 and 2024 after overhauling its approach. Los Angeles reduced unsheltered homelessness by 5% in the past year by increasing housing availability.

A Historical Perspective: From 2007 to 2017, the U.S. made steady progress in reducing homelessness, particularly among veterans. However, the gains reversed in recent years due to rising housing costs and the waning impact of temporary pandemic-era measures like eviction moratoriums and emergency rental assistance.

What’s Next? Advocates and policymakers agree that tackling the homelessness crisis requires robust federal investment, bipartisan support, and innovative solutions. Ann Oliva, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, noted that the recent success in reducing veteran homelessness provides a blueprint for broader efforts.

As U.S. Homelessness continues to rise, this year’s data underscores an urgent need for comprehensive, scalable solutions to ensure safe and stable housing for all Americans.