The United States is currently confronting an unprecedented crisis of homelessness, as highlighted in the latest Annual Homelessness Assessment Report published by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This report indicates that on a single night in 2024, approximately 771,480 individuals were reported as experiencing homelessness. This statistic translates to roughly 23 individuals per 10,000 Americans and is indicative of a combination of factors, including a severe shortage of affordable housing, escalating inflation, stagnant wages, and systemic inequalities.

Families with children have been disproportionately affected, experiencing a remarkable 39 percent increase in homelessness from 2023. This escalation has contributed to a national average rise of 18 percent in homelessness, with nearly 150,000 children reported as homeless on one night, representing a 33 percent increase from the previous year.

In a contrasting development, the report indicates a positive trend for veterans, with a reduction of 2,692 homeless veterans, signifying an 8 percent decline. This reduction can be attributed to targeted funding initiatives that have successfully decreased veteran homelessness by 55 percent since 2009.

Moreover, the report underscores a significant concern regarding older homeless individuals, where one in five homeless persons is aged 55 or older. Over 104,000 individuals between the ages of 55 and 64 are identified as homeless, along with more than 42,150 individuals aged 65 and older, with nearly half of these senior individuals living without shelter.

Racial disparities persist as a considerable issue, with Black individuals constituting 32 percent of the homeless population, despite representing only 12 percent of the overall U.S. population. Nevertheless, this figure demonstrates some improvement compared to the 37 percent recorded in 2023, suggesting potential progress in addressing these systemic challenges.

The prevalence of chronic homelessness has also reached critical levels, with approximately one in three homeless individuals—around 152,585—reporting chronic homelessness, marking the highest number recorded. This demographic has increased by 27 percent since 2007, with 65 percent residing in unsheltered conditions.

On a positive note, there has been a 13 percent increase in the inventory of beds available for homeless individuals between 2023 and 2024, primarily driven by an 18 percent rise in emergency shelter beds. However, transitional housing options have seen a 4 percent decline, reflecting ongoing difficulties in securing long-term solutions.

California’s circumstances warrant particular attention, as the state experienced a comparatively modest 3 percent rise in homelessness last year, in stark contrast to the national increase of 18 percent. As of January 2024, California is home to over 187,000 homeless individuals, accounting for nearly 25 percent of the total homeless population in the nation.

The data presented is reliant upon a point-in-time count conducted by volunteers and local officials early in 2024, aimed at capturing the number of homeless individuals residing on the streets and in shelters during a single night. However, variations in counting methods across counties pose challenges in obtaining a comprehensive picture of homelessness, as numerous areas conduct street counts only every two years.

An analysis conducted by CalMatters emphasizes California’s significant contribution to the national homelessness crisis, revealing that the state accommodates 28 percent of homeless veterans and an astonishing 44 percent of chronically homeless individuals. As lawmakers tackle this pressing issue, the HUD report reinforces the urgent necessity for comprehensive policies and targeted funding to address the multifaceted causes of homelessness in America.

Click her to read the full report by The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Community Planning and Development.