Report Shows Unprecedented Surge in Homelessness Across the United States
The number of homeless people in the U.S. has increased by 11% this year, driven by surging housing costs, a shortage of affordable rental units, and the ongoing opioid crisis. The surge in homelessness comes after the end of pandemic-era policies such as financial aid and eviction moratoriums. High housing costs have been identified as the primary factor contributing to the increase in homelessness. The COVID-relief funds that were provided previously acted as a buffer, but without these resources, the impact has been significant. The Wall Street Journal reviewed data from over 300 entities that count homeless people, which accounted for the majority of the homeless people counted last year. The total number of homeless people exceeded 577,000. The final estimate for a single night of homelessness in the U.S. is expected to be released later this year by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Certain regions, such as New York, have seen an influx of illegal immigrants, which has further inflated homeless counts. Other factors contributing to the increase in homelessness include rising rents and damage from natural disasters like Hurricane Ida. Despite making progress in reducing homelessness during the first two years of the pandemic, the recent surge is disheartening for many communities.
