These data points are both heartbreaking and infuriating—especially the disproportionate impact on African Americans and the growing numbers among youth. You’re absolutely right about the need for systemic change, particularly by bringing individuals with lived and cultural experience to the table. If we’re not listening to the voices of those closest to the issue, how can we expect to create meaningful solutions? Also, the undercounting challenges are a stark reminder that the issue is likely even worse than reported. Addressing homelessness requires not just better data, but bold action on affordable housing, equitable policies, and targeted support for vulnerable groups. Thank you for shining a light on this—it’s a conversation we must keep having.
Social Scientist | Planning, Economic Development, Housing | I help government, companies and social service agencies improve the quality of life for their residents.
I'm sure you've seen the 2024 data on homelessness in the US...if you didn't, here are five things I believe you would find informative: 1. Disproportionate Impact on African Americans: Though representing 12% of the total US population, African Americans are over 30% of the entirety of the homeless population. This represents a HUGE over representation. This also indicates that perhaps the system, housing offerings, outreach & case management models need to CHANGE. In this work I've seen few individuals with lived and cultural experience invited into meaningful tables and conversations about how to reach this demographic. Perhaps, just perhaps, we can start hiring, promoting, and working with the professionals in this space and LISTENING to them to address this glaring and long standing need. 2. High Rates Among Youth: Children and young adults aged 18-24 represent a substantial segment of the homeless population (over 25%), with families experiencing homelessness increasing by nearly 40%. This alarming trend highlights the vulnerabilities faced by younger individuals in securing stable housing- and how we are creating a youth homeless population that never has a chance. 3. Predominance of Men: A significant majority of individuals experiencing homelessness identify as men, reflecting persistent gender disparities within the homeless population. With over 65% of those counted identifying as men, his data point indicates a focused need. 4. Emerging Concerns for Older Adults: While current data indicates a smaller percentage of individuals entering homelessness are of retirement age, economic pressures such as escalating rents, healthcare costs, and inadequate retirement benefits suggest this demographic may be at increased risk in the future. Comparative analysis of Point-in-Time counts from previous years and current renter data show the "Silver Tsunami" of eligible retirees will have one of the largest generations of Americans potentially facing homelessness. 5. Undercounting Challenges: Though the current homelessness number is the largest in the history of the united states, the methodology of Point-in-Time counts - which estimate homelessness on a single night - often leads to undercounts. Factors such as individuals avoiding interaction, finding secluded areas, or staying temporarily with others contribute to the difficulty in obtaining accurate numbers. Despite these challenges, the 2024 count recorded over 770,000 individuals experiencing homelessness, an 18% increase from the previous year, marking the highest number since data collection began in 2007. Want to learn more about the numbers, your region, or the raw data? Check the link: