- Over 770,000 people experienced homelessness in the U.S. on a single night in January 2024, marking an 18 percent increase from the previous year. The actual number may be higher due to underreporting.
- Homelessness among families with children surged by 39 percent, affecting nearly 150,000 children, highlighting the crisis's disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups.
- The U.S. has spent billions on foreign aid, including $416 billion to Israel and $106 billion to Ukraine, prompting questions about the government's domestic priorities and its ability to address homelessness effectively.
- Black people make up around 32 percent of the homeless population, despite comprising only 12 percent of the U.S. population. Veterans, however, have seen an eight percent decrease in homelessness since 2023, due to targeted programs.
Homelessness in the United States has hit a record high, with over 770,000 people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January 2024, according to the 2024 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report released by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
This represents an alarming 18 percent increase from the previous year, and the actual number may be even higher because the report undercounts the true number of homeless individuals.
This crisis is particularly devastating for families with children, who saw a staggering 39 percent increase in homelessness, leaving nearly 150,000 children without stable housing. In contrast, the report shows a 55 percent reduction in veteran homelessness since 2009, with an eight percent decrease from 2023. (Related: Study finds home ownership in California has become increasingly unattainable due to disparities between wages and housing prices.)
This development is notable because of how it is contrasted with how much the United States has spent on other programs, such as foreign aid.
To date, the U.S. has provided about $310 billion in economic and military support to Israel and another $106 billion in assistance to Ukraine. These staggering numbers raise serious questions about the government's priorities and its ability to address domestic issues like homelessness.
The report highlights that certain demographics are disproportionately affected by homelessness. Black people make up around 32 percent of the homeless population, despite comprising only 12 percent of the U.S. population. Veterans, who have seen the most progress in reducing homelessness, are a notable exception. The decline in veteran homelessness is attributed to targeted programs and efforts to quickly house homeless veterans.
Major U.S. cities have become epicenters of the homelessness crisis
The HUD report reveals that many cities experienced an increase in homelessness, with the exception of Dallas and Los Angeles, which saw decreases. The continued rise in homelessness is driven by a lack of affordable housing, a trend that has persisted for years. With home prices and rents soaring, the U.S. is experiencing a major housing shortage, exacerbated by the fact that fewer new homes are being built than needed.
While federal agencies and local organizations are working to address the issue, the scale of the problem is immense. For instance, a recent report from Zillow found that the housing shortage in the U.S. has ballooned to 4.5 million homes, with even fewer affordable homes available for low-income individuals.
Critics argue that the vast sums allocated to foreign aid could be better spent addressing domestic issues like homelessness. While foreign aid is an important part of U.S. foreign policy, it must not come at the expense of the most vulnerable Americans.
The record-high levels of homelessness in the U.S. demonstrate the urgent need for a comprehensive solution that prioritizes domestic priorities. By investing more in affordable housing and programs that support those in need, we can work towards a future where "no American should face homelessness." But it will require bold action and a re-evaluation of government priorities.
Visit HomelessAgenda.com for more.
Watch this video about the homelessness crisis in the United States' largest city.
This video is from the Treasure of the Sun channel on Brighteon.com.
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