The number is equivalent to around 23 people for every 10,000 inhabitants in the country, which is the largest economy in the world
The number of homeless people in the United States has reached an all-time high. A study by the country’s (Department of Housing and Urban Development) revealed that in January 2024, around 771,480 people lived in homeless conditions, an increase of 18% compared to 2023. The report was released on Friday (27. Dec.2024).
This total represents 23 people for every 10,000 inhabitants in the country. The situation reflects growing pressure on the most vulnerable population, aggravated by factors such as persistent inflation and rising property prices.
In Brazil, in contrast, the number of homeless people in August 2024 was estimated at 308 thousand, according to data from the Ministry of Development and Social Assistance.
The HUD report includes both individuals living in emergency shelters and those who were in temporary housing programs. The National Low Income Housing Coalition shows that the rise in homelessness is primarily linked to rising housing costs, with the average rent in the US in January 2024 being 20% higher than it was in 2021.
The study highlights factors such as stagnant wages among low- and middle-income families and the persistent effects of “systemic racism” as “elements that worsen the housing crisis in the country”.
NATURAL DISASTERS AND IMMIGRATION
The research also indicates other factors for the increase in the homeless population, such as natural disasters that displaced several families and the growth in immigration.
The report highlighted the negative impact of the end of income protection programs and the ban on evictions, implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic, which were discontinued in recent years. These elements contributed to further worsening the housing crisis in the country.
BIGGEST PERCENTAGE INCREASE: CHILDREN
The report revealed that almost 150,000 children and adolescents up to the age of 17 were homeless in the period analyzed, which represents an increase of 33% compared to 2023.
This was the largest proportional growth among groups of people without housing, which also increased the rate of families with children living on the streets. The document highlights that migration has had a particularly strong impact on the family housing crisis.
The report also revealed that people of color continue to be disproportionately affected by homelessness in the US. Although they represent 12% of the country’s total population, they correspond to 32% of the homeless population.
Latinos and Hispanics represent 30.6% of the homeless population in the country, which is equivalent to 235 thousand people.
