Star Democrat, December 27, 2024
More than 771,000 people are homeless in the U.S, according to the results of a 2024 one-night count conducted by the federal government and housing groups.
That’s up more than 18% from 2023 and theHomelessness in the U.S. is up 35.9% from 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic, its job losses, social upheavals and ensuing inflation wave that brought 40 years highs in prices for food, transportation and housing as well as higher interest rates.
There were 567,715 homeless persons in 2019, according to HUD.
The number of homeless children in 2024 is close to 150,000 — up 33% from 2023, according to HUD’s point-in-time count.
Men and boys currently make up 59.2% of the overall homeless population in the U.S. including 67.4% of those living on the streets, according to HUD.
Women and girls comprise 39.2% of the overall homeless population and 44% of those in shelters, according to the January 2024 count.
Homelessness is up 37.6% among women and 33.9% among men since the pandemic.
In Maryland, HUD counted 6,069 homeless persons statewide in its January 2024 tally. In January 2020 (just before the pandemic), Maryland’s homeless county totaled 4,430 persons. That’s a 37% increase since 2020.
In Delaware, there were 1,358 homeless persons counted statewide in HUD’s 2024 report. In 2020, there were 1,165 homeless persons counted in Delaware. That translates into a 16.6 % increase since 2020
Post-pandemic waves of migrants into the U.S. along with higher costs and behavioral and mental health crises during and since COVID have also contributed to the rise.
In 2019, HUD estimated New York’s homeless population at 42,113. In 2024, that figure is 158,019. The Empire State’s homeless population grew by 115,906 since before COVID and 54,819 since 2023.
The record counts alarm advocates and groups looking to address homelessness in the U.S.
“The answer to ending homelessness is ensuring everyone has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing. Our leaders must immediately expand the resources to rehouse people without homes and assist the rapidly growing number of people who cannot afford skyrocketing rents,” said Ann Oliva, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness. “This record-setting increase in homelessness should sound the alarm for federal, state, and local lawmakers to advance evidence-based solutions to this crisis.”
To learn more about Talbot Interfaith Shelter and how you can help, visit talbotinterfaithshelter.org or contact info@talbotinterfaithshelter.org.