In the United States, homelessness has reached its highest levels in 15 years. A mere four states are accountable for over 50% of the homeless population.
California takes the lead, with 28% of the nation’s estimated 653,000 homeless individuals, as reported by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The surge in homelessness coincides with the conclusion of pandemic-era programs, such as rental assistance and the temporary suspension of evictions, coupled with soaring rental prices that many individuals can no longer afford.
Notably, California not only harbors the largest homeless population but also claims the highest proportion of individuals living on the streets.
Two-thirds of the homeless population in California live outdoors in cars, tents, or makeshift shelters, constituting 49% of all individuals on the streets in the U.S. In contrast, approximately 5% of New York’s homeless population resides on the streets.
Despite California’s significant investments in emergency rental assistance, housing vouchers, and an overall increase in available beds, the number of people living on the streets continues to grow.
Sleeping on the streets poses considerable safety concerns, as highlighted by individuals like Miguel Maldonado and Sylvester Floyd in Los Angeles, who shared their experiences of vulnerability and hardship.
“I couldn’t sleep, man,” Maldonando said. “I couldn’t sleep in the street. One eye open and the other one closed, like watching your back and stuff. People rob you or beat you up and maybe kill you and stuff like that and hurt you.”
According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), homelessness in the country has surged by 12% since the previous year. HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge emphasizes the crucial first step of acknowledging the problem.
“We have to say to America, if they really want to solve things like homelessness, poor education, they have to recognize and admit that the problem exists,” Fudge said.
HUD is channeling significant funds into multifamily housing and senior housing to combat the crisis.
Secretary Fudge stressed that with direct engagement with unhoused individuals and substantial support, the country can eventually address homelessness effectively.