Is Homelessness in America a growing epidemic?

The homeless problem in the United States is a serious issue that continues to plague many communities across the country. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, as of January 2018, an estimated 552,830 people are experiencing homelessness on any given night in the United States. Of these, 194,716 are people in families, and 358,114 are individuals. Additionally, just over one-quarter of all homeless people, or 25.4 percent, are unsheltered. This means they are living on the streets, in cars, abandoned buildings, or other places not meant for human habitation.

Homelessness also disproportionally affects certain communities more than others. For example, African Americans make up a disproportionate amount of the homeless population. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, African Americans make up 40 percent of the adult homeless population, even though they only make up 12 percent of the US population.

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development also reports that the number of homeless veterans has decreased significantly since 2010. In 2010, there were 76,329 homeless veterans on a single night, but in 2018, that number fell to 37,085. While this is a promising sign, homelessness among veterans is still a serious issue. The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans estimates that on any given night, there are over 40,000 homeless veterans in the United States. But since 2019, the number has increased 0.5%.