U.S. Homelessness Hits Record High, Driven by Soaring Rents and Migrant Surge

Homelessness in the United States reached its highest level in nearly two decades, according to a new report from the Biden administration. Nearly 772,000 people were counted as homeless on a single night in January 2024, marking an 18% increase from the previous year, which had already set a record. The report, cited by Bloomberg News on Friday, revealed a sharp rise in family homelessness, with more than 80,000 families with children, an increase of 39% compared to 2023.

The surge in homelessness is attributed to both a lack of affordable housing, with high rents exacerbating the crisis, and the strain on shelter systems from a significant increase in migrants seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border. Cities such as New York, Denver, and Chicago were overwhelmed as the number of migrants grew. However, the report notes that the situation at the border has improved since June 2024, following executive actions by President Biden aimed at reducing unlawful border crossings and limiting asylum claims.

The escalating homelessness crisis continues to challenge U.S. cities, underscoring the urgent need for affordable housing solutions and effective migrant support systems.