The number of homeless individuals in the United States has hit a new record, with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reporting an alarming 18% increase in homelessness from 2023 to 2024.

According to the latest figures, 771,480 people were homeless on a single night in January 2024, which is approximately 23 out of every 10,000 individuals across the nation. This surge in homelessness reflects a combination of factors, including escalating housing costs, inflation, and systemic issues within government policies and resources.

The HUD report highlights that the median rent in January 2024 was 20% higher than it was in January 2021, further exacerbating the strain on households.

Key Drivers Behind the Rise

The increase in homelessness is driven by several contributing factors, including:

Rising Housing Costs: As rental prices soar, many Americans, particularly those in lower and middle-income households, struggle to find affordable housing.

Stagnating Wages: Despite rising living costs, wages for many Americans have remained stagnant, making it difficult to afford housing.

Systemic Racism: The report points to the persistent effects of systemic racism, which disproportionately affects minority communities, particularly Black and African American populations.

Natural Disasters and Migration: Natural disasters have displaced numerous individuals, while rising immigration levels and the termination of COVID-era homelessness prevention programs have also contributed to the crisis.

Homeless Families and Children Hit Hardest

Among the most concerning trends is the dramatic rise in homelessness among families with children. The report noted a 39% increase in homeless families, which contrasts sharply with the decline observed in pre-pandemic years. The rise in family homelessness is especially pronounced among migrants, who are particularly vulnerable.

In terms of age groups, children under the age of 18 experienced the largest increase in homelessness, with nearly 150,000 children affected in January 2024, marking a 33% rise from the previous year.

Racial Disparities in Homelessness

The report also highlights racial disparities, with Black, African American, and African individuals being overrepresented among the homeless population. While Black individuals make up 12% of the U.S. population, they represent a staggering 32% of the homeless population.

A Small Silver Lining: Decline in Veteran Homelessness Despite the overall surge, there is a small piece of good news. Homelessness among veterans has dropped to the lowest number on record, marking a rare success in tackling homelessness within a vulnerable demographic.

The Path Forward

Adrianne Todman, head of HUD, emphasized the importance of focusing on evidence-based solutions to end homelessness. "While this data is nearly a year old and no longer reflects the current situation, it is critical that we focus on strategies to prevent and end homelessness," she stated in a press release. As the U.S. grapples with this unprecedented crisis, the need for comprehensive policy solutions, including affordable housing initiatives, better social support systems, and targeted efforts to address systemic inequalities, has never been more urgent.