The latest government report unveiled a disheartening surge in homelessness across the US, marking a 12 percent increase to an all-time high. According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development's findings released by Xinhua news agency, approximately 653,000 individuals were without shelter in January, a stark rise of 70,650 compared to the previous year, marking the highest figure recorded since the survey's inception in 2007.
The report highlighted a sobering disparity: though African-Americans comprise only 13 percent of the overall population, they represent 37 percent of the total homeless demographic. Moreover, the most significant spike in homelessness, noted at 28 percent between 2022 and 2023, was observed among Hispanics.
Notably, family homelessness, which had been on a downward trajectory since 2012, saw a troubling reversal with a 16 percent increase.
Factors contributing to this crisis are multifaceted, encompassing skyrocketing rents and a reduction in pandemic aid. These adversities compound, amplifying the plight of those grappling with homelessness across the nation.
(With Agency Inputs)
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