Over 770,000 people were registered as homeless in the USA at the beginning of 2024, announced the Ministry. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
More than 770,000 people were counted as homeless in the US at the beginning of 2024, a record number, up 18% compared to 2023, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced on Friday.
The ministry cited several reasons to explain this increase, particularly the lack of affordable housing, inflation, the mass influx of immigrants, the end of pandemic aid, and natural disasters.
The report was based on data gathered overnight in January of the year ending, with HUD noting that it is therefore not an accurate reflection of the current situation, “due to changing policies and circumstances.”
The record nevertheless highlights the big problem of abysmal economic and social inequalities in the world’s largest economy.
Among the most alarming trends: the number of families without permanent housing has increased dramatically, largely due to the “particularly noticeable impact” of immigration, a ministry press release said.
Natural disasters, which are multiplying in part due to global warming, have also played an important role in the increase in homelessness, such as the terrible fire on the island of Maui in the Hawaiian archipelago, due to which 5,200 people were recorded as homeless on the night of count.
Other disasters followed, such as Cyclones Helen and Milton, which caused widespread damage in the southeastern part of the country in recent months, forcing thousands of residents to flee their homes.
The report highlights that blacks — especially the African-American community — “continue to be overrepresented among the homeless.” About 32% of the nation’s homeless are black or African-American, compared to just 12% of the total US population.
Moreover, the census was taken before the tightening of policies against homelessness in some areas, especially after the Supreme Court decision in June allowing the authorities to punish people who sleep outside.
The Democratic governor of California, Gavin Newsom, immediately ordered the dismantling of homeless camps in areas controlled by the authorities of the state of this American West.
Nearly a quarter of the nation’s homeless are in California, according to the HUD report.
Source :Skai
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