The number of Americans experiencing homelessness surged dramatically in 2024, reaching over 771,800 people - an 18.1% increase from 2023's count of 650,000, according to federal data released Friday.
The stark rise marks the highest level in recent years, up from 580,000 in 2022, based on the annual point-in-time count conducted each January by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Federal officials attribute the surge to several factors, including rising housing costs, an influx of migrants requiring shelter services, and natural disasters like the Maui wildfires that displaced residents into emergency housing.
"The underlying conditions driving homelessness are not going the right direction," said Shamus Roller, Executive Director of the National Housing Law Project. "Housing affordability is worse; it's affecting more people across the country."
While the overall homeless population grew substantially, there was a bright spot in the data - veteran homelessness decreased by 7.5% from 2023 to 2024, dropping from 35,000 to 32,800. Officials credit this success to coordinated efforts between HUD and the Department of Veterans Affairs in providing housing and mental health services.
However, experts note the annual count likely understates the true scope of homelessness since it captures data from just one night in January when many seek temporary shelter from winter conditions. "It's just one point in time. It's a picture, a photograph, as opposed to a video," explained Adam Ruege, a data analyst working with the VA.
Some communities saw improvements despite the national trend. Dallas, Los Angeles and Chester County, Pennsylvania reported decreases in their local homeless populations for 2024.
Looking ahead, housing officials emphasize the need for expanded access to resources and reduced barriers for those seeking assistance. As Marion McFadden, HUD's principal deputy assistant secretary noted, "We need to assume that every single person is housing-ready. You don't have to prequalify by going through some kind of treatment or getting ready to be in a house."
The latest numbers present major challenges for the Biden administration, which had previously set a goal of decreasing homelessness by the end of its first term in 2024.