Rising Rents Drive US Homelessness to Record High

The number of people experiencing homelessness in the US reached its highest level on record this year, with a 12% increase from the previous year, according to an annual survey by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The report found that over 650,000 people were homeless on a single night in January, the highest since reporting began in 2007. Homelessness increased across all household types, disproportionately affecting communities of color. Factors contributing to the rise include soaring rents and the winding down of pandemic protections and eviction prevention programs. Efforts are being made to address the issue, such as the implementation of the Housing Supply Action Plan and initiatives to connect households to homeless support services.