Homelessness Surges Across the United States, with Atlanta Facing Growing Challenges

The United States is grappling with a significant rise in homelessness, as recent reports reveal alarming increases both nationally and in major cities like Atlanta. This surge has been attributed to various factors, including a lack of affordable housing, economic instability, and an influx of migrants in some urban areas

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), homelessness in the United States increased by 18.1% in 2024, reaching a record high. On a single night in January 2024, an estimated 771,480 individuals were experiencing homelessness across the country. This translates to approximately 23 out of every 10,000 people nationwide. Key findings from the HUD report include:

• A 33% increase in child homelessness, with nearly 150,000 children affected
• A 40% rise in family homelessness
• A 6.6% increase in chronic homelessness

The surge in homelessness has been attributed to several factors:

• A national crisis in affordable housing
• Rising inflation and stagnant wages for middle- and lower-income families
• The ongoing impact of systemic racism
• Natural disasters, such as the Maui wildfire
• An influx of migrants in some cities
• The end of COVID-19-related homelessness prevention initiatives

Atlanta has not been immune to the national trend, experiencing its own increase in homelessness. The 2024 Partners For Home point-in-time count found approximately 2,900 people living on the streets or in shelters in Atlanta, representing a 7% increase from 2023. Specific data for Atlanta reveals:

• 2,867 individuals experiencing homelessness
• 1,827 people in emergency shelters or transitional housing
• 1,040 unsheltered individuals

The Atlanta homeless population demographics show:

• 25% are women and girls
• 35% are over the age of 55
• 48% of adults have a serious mental illness
• 40% have a substance abuse disorder
• 67% reported having a disability

Fulton County, which includes parts of Atlanta, conducted its own Point-in-Time (PIT) count, revealing 339 individuals experiencing homelessness on January 23, 2024,  The count showed:

• 154 unsheltered individuals
• 185 people in emergency shelters or transitional housing
• A slight increase of 0.59% compared to 2023
• 87% of those counted were Black/African American, compared to 40% in the broader county population

The rise in homelessness has strained support systems and highlighted the need for more comprehensive solutions. In Atlanta, city leaders are considering conducting additional counts throughout the year to better understand the fluctuations in homelessness. Nationally, HUD Secretary Adrianne Todman emphasized the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to addressing homelessness, stating, "No American should have to confront homelessness, and the Biden-Harris Administration is dedicated to ensuring that every family has access to the safe, affordable, and quality housing they rightfully deserve". As communities across the nation grapple with this growing crisis, the need for affordable housing, targeted support services, and innovative policy solutions remains paramount in addressing the complex issue of homelessness.