(NewsNation) — According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s annual assessment report, overall homelessness in America rose by 18% in 2024.
The report found more than 770,000 people were experiencing homelessness on a single night in January. Nearly 150,000 children experienced homelessness on a single night in 2024, a 33% increase from 2023.
The number of homeless older Americans also rose, with more than 140,000 people over the age of 55 going unhoused in the U.S. this year. Nearly half of these older Americans reported living in places not meant for humans.
“No American should face homelessness, and the Biden-Harris Administration is committed to ensuring every family has access to the affordable, safe and quality housing they deserve,” HUD Agency Head Adrianne Todman said in a statement.
HUD officials noted that the report reflects information collected a year ago, and likely does not represent current circumstances. It also misses some people and does not include those staying with friends or family because they do not have a place of their own.
“While this data is nearly a year old, and no longer reflects the situation we are seeing, it is critical that we focus on evidence-based efforts to prevent and end homelessness,” Todman said.
Black Americans were overrepresented among the homeless population at about 32%, despite making up 12% of the overall population.
While nearly every demographic in the U.S. reported record levels of homelessness this year, veterans saw a drop in their numbers.
“We know what works, and our success in reducing veteran homelessness by 55.2% since 2010 shows that,” Todman said.
In addition, major cities such as Dallas, Texas and Los Angeles, as well as Chester County, Pennsylvania, saw declines in homelessness.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
