US homelessness reaches new heights: Factors behind 18% increase in 2024

A new report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) highlights a dramatic surge in homelessness across the country. In 2024, the total number of homeless individuals living in emergency shelters, transitional housing programs, or on the streets reached 771,000. This marks the highest annual increase in recent years.

Sharp eise in homelessness eates

According to the HUD’s report, the percentage of homeless individuals in the U.S. increased by 18% in 2024 compared to the previous year, marking the most significant rise in recent years.

The figure includes people living in emergency shelters, safe havens, temporary housing programs, and on the streets.

Factors behind surge in homelessness

The report identifies several key factors contributing to the record-high increase in homelessness in 2024.

These include the ongoing housing crisis, rising inflation, stagnant wages, systemic racism, and public health inequalities.

Families with children hit hardest

The report also reveals that homelessness among families with children has risen by 39%. Additionally, the number of children under the age of 18 experiencing homelessness has increased by 33%, with nearly 150,000 children affected.

This latest data paints a grim picture of the homelessness crisis in the U.S. as various socioeconomic and systemic challenges continue to exacerbate the issue.

The growing problem of homelessness in the U.S. reflects deep-rooted issues that need urgent attention. With housing prices soaring and inequalities widening, the country faces a long road ahead in tackling this escalating crisis.