U.S. Homelessness at Record High

On December 15, 2023, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development reported to Congress that homelessness had reached the highest level yet, having a 12% rise in just one year. The homeless population increased by more than 70,000 people in twelve months, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's highest growth rate since collecting data on people without housing began in 2007. Some experts attribute this to increases in rent since the pandemic, and others say it is more migrants entering the homeless services system. Despite the cause, the United States clearly needs more affordable housing and better means to deal with this issue.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 2023 report to Congress (HUD official PDF, 12-23)

U.S. Homeless Count Surges 12% to Highest-Recorded Level (The Wall Street Journal, 12-15-23)

Homelessness Rose to Record Level This Year, Government Says (The New York Times, 12-15-23)