An alarming report reveals that the number of homeless individuals in the U.S has jumped by a striking 12% compared to the previous year. This has resulted in approximately 653,000 people currently experiencing homelessness, an increase of about 70,000 from last year's figure.
This alarming report was a product of an annual count by The Department of Housing and Urban Development. The exercise, known as a point-in-time count, is carried out on a singular day and was completed in January of this year. While the data might seem outdated, an expert opinion supports that it still accurately reflects the current circumstance.
Regrettably, the count has unraveled the largest number of homeless individuals ever recorded since the inception of this data collection in 2007.
The increase is partially attributed to the current state of the housing market, rising rental prices and the conclusion of pandemic aid. Basic economics play out in the challenge faced by these individuals. There are simply too few affordable houses available and too many that are beyond the reach of the financial constraints faced by these individuals.
The survey also gives an intersectional understanding of homelessness. It reveals that people of color bear a disproportionate brunt of homelessness. The numbers paint a clear picture; four out of every ten people counted identified themselves as Black or African-American, while a third identified as Latino or Hispanic.
Despite the grim statistics, there is hope for a silver lining. The expert consulted shares that the real solution lies beyond providing temporary housing. The focus should be on investing money in preventative programs. These programs would aim to not only provide immediate aid but to also equip individuals with the means to prevent them from falling into homelessness.
As the nationwide issue of homelessness continues to increase, strategic and compassionate steps are needed to combat this social issue that affects many of our neighbors. Our invested efforts today will decide whether these disheartening statistics continue to rise or subside drastically.
