Record Surge in Homelessness Reported by U.S. Government in 2023

In 2023, the United States witnessed a historic peak in homelessness, as indicated by data disclosed by the federal government on Friday.

In January, a head count for the US Department of Housing and Urban Development revealed a nationwide homelessness figure exceeding 653,100 people. This marked a 12 percent increase from the previous year, with 70,650 more individuals experiencing homelessness—the highest recorded number since data collection began in 2007.

In the United States, despite African Americans constituting 13 percent of the population, they represent 37 percent of those experiencing homelessness, as highlighted in a recent report. Notably, homelessness among Hispanics surged by 28 percent (39,106 individuals) from 2022 to 2023. The report also revealed a 16 percent increase in families with children facing homelessness, reversing a declining trend since 2012.

Of the 653,100 people homeless in January, 60 percent sought refuge in shelters or temporary accommodations, while 40 percent endured conditions “not meant for human habitation.” California leads with the highest homeless population (181,399), trailed by New York (103,200), Florida (30,756), Washington state (28,036), Texas (27,377), and Oregon (20,142).

Experts attribute the U.S. homelessness crisis to a complex interplay of factors such as poverty, mental health challenges, addiction, and housing shortages.