U.S. Homelessness Rises 18% in 2024, Exceeding 770,000 Individuals

Homelessness in the U.S. reached a record high in 2024, with over 771,000 people experiencing homelessness on a single night, an 18.1% increase from the previous year. Despite increased philanthropic funding during the COVID-19 pandemic, including federal aid and private donations, homelessness levels surged notably only after 2023, highlighting ongoing challenges in addressing the crisis. Various local efforts are underway to support homeless populations, such as Durham County Council's Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme providing new bed spaces and support services, and Louisville's Coalition for the Homeless facilitating transitions into safe, affordable housing through donor-funded programs. City officials in Centralia emphasize the need to separate homelessness from crime concerns, implementing refined policies to improve public safety while supporting the homeless population's access to community resources like libraries. Organizations like LCEC demonstrate community engagement by addressing basic needs with food and baby product distributions, highlighting the multifaceted approach required to support vulnerable families. These combined efforts underscore a critical need for sustained, coordinated action among government, philanthropy, and local communities to effectively combat homelessness.