Rising Cost of Living Drives Surge in US Homelessness

Homelessness in the United States reached a record high this year, with a 12% increase in the homeless population, the largest one-year jump since data collection began in 2007. The rise is attributed to factors such as rising rents, the end of pandemic-related aid and eviction bans, and the shortage of affordable housing. Some researchers also point to the surging numbers of migrants entering the country as a significant factor. Homelessness increased across all tracked groups, including individuals, families with children, veterans, and both young and old individuals.