Homelessness

The National Alliance to End Homelessness reports, According to the 2024 PIT Count, 771,480 people were experiencing homelessness across America. This is an 18% increase from 2023, with family homelessness (up 39%) and homelessness among older adults (55+) contributing largely.

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Homelessness has notably affected people of color, veterans, and those with a prior criminal history at a disproportionately high rate. According HUD's 2024 data, African Americans made up 47.8% of the homeless population within the United States. 

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A lack of resources such as homeless response workers (connecting people with housing), in addition to services like healthcare, employment, and income support programs have created cyclical homeless cycles.

 

HUD lists a lack of sufficient housing (no beds available) and no community having enough permanent housing as an example of our nation's resources being insufficient to meet demand - citing that the response team only had enough units to house 16% of households currently staying in shelter.

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33% of arrests experienced by homeless individuals are directly linked to homelessness and formerly incarcerated people are significantly more prone to homelessness - these activities include loitering, sitting, lying down, or sleeping in public. It is noted that 79% of California's unhoused population have experienced incarceration.

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Reentry coalitions are valuable nonprofit and local government-based organizations that partner with employment, education, and housing offices while providing resources for things such as substance abuse and mental health. Please see the reentry coalitions listed below that seek to serve the communities that so desperately need their help.​​