(CLO) On Friday, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reported that the homelessness rate in the U.S. has risen by a record 18% in its 2024 report, due to factors such as inability to afford housing, high inflation, racial discrimination, natural disasters, and increased immigration.
The homelessness problem is worsening in the US, with common scenes in many cities of impoverished people living outdoors, with tents pitched on city sidewalks.
HUD stated in its new report that more than 771,000 people – or about 23 in 10,000 – were counted as homeless in a single night's nationwide survey conducted in January 2024. This figure may not include those staying with friends or family.
Homelessness in the US has surged again. Photo: CC/Shannon Badiee
Overall, the number of homeless people increased by 18% between 2023 and 2024, according to the data. Previous annual data, released last year, showed a 12% increase in homelessness.
According to the data, from 2023 to 2024, children under 18 years old were the age group with the highest increase in homelessness, rising by 33% with 150,000 children falling into this crisis.
Among the most worrying trends is the nearly 40% increase in homeless families – one of the areas most affected by the influx of migrants in major cities.
California, the most populous state in the U.S., continues to have the largest number of homeless people in the country, followed by New York, Washington, Florida, and Massachusetts.
Data shows that Black people – who make up 12% of the total US population and whose 21% live in poverty – account for 32% of all homeless people.
HUD stated: "The worsening national housing crisis, rising inflation, stagnant wages in low- and middle-income households, and the lingering effects of systemic racism have pushed the homeless support system to its limits."
The report also noted: "New public health crises, natural disasters forcing people to leave their homes, the increasing number of immigrants entering the U.S., and the termination of homelessness prevention programs implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic."
The report comes as more and more communities are taking a tough stance against homelessness. Angered by the often dangerous and unsanitary conditions of tent camps, some communities have implemented camping bans.
This follows last year's 6-3 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court, which found that the ban on sleeping outdoors did not violate the Eighth Amendment. Homeless advocates argue that punishing those who need a place to sleep would criminalize homelessness.
Hoang Anh (according to HUD, CBS, Reuters)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/ty-le-vo-gia-cu-o-my-tang-ky-luc-18-trong-nam-2024-post327870.html
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