HUD Report: 18% Rise in Point-in-Time Homelessness Numbers in 2024

On a single night in January 2024, more than 770,000 people in the US experienced homelessness. That's an 18% increase from the same date in 2023. The data comes from a new report by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). 

The snapshot of data is known as a point-in-time estimate. HUD describes the count as the number of people "in shelters, temporary housing, and unsheltered settings” across the country. The 18% increase is the largest since 2007. That was the first year HUD began tracking the data.    

Among the reasons HUD pointed to for the January 2024 uptick was a surge of unhoused migrants. Many were sent to northern cities by the governors of states like Texas and Florida. HUD noted that border crossings by undocumented immigrants fell 60% as the year progressed. That was likely due to an executive action by President Biden that restricted access at the Southern border.   

Other factors also led to an increase in homelessness last January. Natural disasters and rising housing costs were two main causes. Wildfires in Maui, Hawaii, displaced 5,200 people. And home prices hit record highs in 2024. HUD pointed to efforts during the year to create affordable housing in hard-hit cities. Over the course of the year, 435,000 rental units were built. Still, HUD leaders say the problem persists.   

“No American should face homelessness,” Adrianne Todman said in a written statement. She is the head of HUD. “It is critical that we focus on evidence-based efforts to prevent and end homelessness.”  

Reflect: How can communities work together to provide affordable housing and support for people facing homelessness?

Photo of homeless encampment from Unsplash courtesy of Levi Meir Clancy.