Homelessness in the US: A Mixed Bag of Results
National Trends
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), homelessness in the United States has increased by 18.1% in 2024, following a significant rise in 2023. The growth is attributed to affordability issues, a surge in migrants in some states, and natural disasters in others.
Los Angeles: A Rare Bright Spot
In contrast, Los Angeles County is one of a few metropolitan areas to record a decrease in homelessness. The number of unsheltered homeless individuals dropped by 5.1% in 2024, marking the first decline in seven years. The city of Los Angeles saw an even more significant decrease, with a 10% drop in unsheltered homelessness.
What’s Working in Los Angeles?
HUD officials credited the city’s efforts to increase housing availability for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, using city, county, and federal funds. The enforcement of camping bans and concerted efforts to clear encampments and get people into transitional housing have also been key factors in the battle against homelessness.
Expert Insights
"What’s happening in L.A. is working," said Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority CEO Va Lecia Adams Kellum. "The collaboration between LAHSA, the City, the County, and service providers works, and LAHSA’s changes to the rehousing system are working. We are making progress."
California’s Unique Challenges
Despite the decrease in homelessness in Los Angeles, California as a whole still leads the nation in the total number of unhoused people, surpassing New York, Washington, and Florida. California’s large population and Mediterranean climate are often cited as factors contributing to its homelessness challenges.
Veteran Homelessness on the Decline
The HUD reported that the number of homeless veterans in the United States reached an all-time low in 2024, with a 55% decline over the last 15 years. The agency plans to award nearly $40 million in federal funds to provide rental assistance and supportive services to combat veteran homelessness.
Conclusion
While the national trend shows an increase in homelessness, Los Angeles is a rare bright spot, with a decrease in unsheltered homelessness. The city’s efforts to increase housing availability and enforcement of camping bans have been key factors in this success. However, California as a whole still faces significant challenges in addressing its homelessness crisis.
FAQs
Q: What is the current state of homelessness in the US?
A: According to the HUD, homelessness in the US has increased by 18.1% in 2024, following a significant rise in 2023.
Q: What is the situation like in Los Angeles?
A: Los Angeles County is one of a few metropolitan areas to record a decrease in homelessness, with a 5.1% drop in unsheltered homelessness in 2024. The city of Los Angeles saw an even more significant decrease, with a 10% drop in unsheltered homelessness.
Q: What is the situation like in California?
A: California still leads the nation in the total number of unhoused people, with a large population and Mediterranean climate contributing to its homelessness challenges.
