Family Homelessness in the US Increases as Costs Rise and Benefits End
By Augusta Saraiva, Bloomberg
A distressing trend in the United States shows a rise in family homelessness, highlighting the impact of soaring costs, limited housing availability, and the termination of pandemic-related support. An analysis of data provided by various jurisdictions reveals that in January, 72,700 individuals in families with children were experiencing homelessness in the country’s 20 largest cities, indicating a 37.6% increase from the previous year. New York saw a two-thirds surge, while Chicago, the District of Columbia, and Fort Worth, Texas, also witnessed significant spikes.
This data, collected from cities that conducted counts of people residing in shelters or on the streets, paints a troubling national picture before the government’s comprehensive report is due at the end of the year. The Housing & Urban Development Department typically releases a full report, including point-in-time data from over 400 jurisdictions, in December.
It is important to note that the situation could be even more severe than the numbers suggest. Point-in-time samples often underestimate the actual count, and cities such as San Francisco and Seattle, which face severe homeless crises, were not included in the analysis because they only counted individuals in their shelters this year.
The latest estimates highlight the worrisome trajectory of family homelessness, especially as eviction bans, stimulus payments, and enhanced food and childcare programs come to an end. Families of color are disproportionately affected, with Black Americans comprising half of those experiencing family homelessness, according to the Housing & Urban Development Department.
Richard Cho, a senior adviser at HUD, stated that early reports indicate a significant increase in the number of families with children experiencing homelessness. The department anticipates challenging data in the future.
Kathy Johnson, executive director of Oak City Cares, a nonprofit organization focused on assisting people experiencing homelessness in North Carolina, expressed her concern, stating that many individuals were already struggling to make ends meet. The impact of inflation and economic changes pushed those on the edge further into homelessness.
According to HUD, an estimated 161,000 Americans in families with children experienced homelessness in 2022. However, experts caution that the readings during the pandemic may not accurately reflect the situation due to difficulties in conducting accurate counts. The Department of Education uses a broader definition, including those living in motels or with relatives due to a lack of housing, and reported that around 1.1 million children were homeless during the pandemic.
While family homelessness is still below pre-pandemic levels in many areas, cities like New York, Boston, and Chicago attribute an increase in asylum seekers as a factor influencing their numbers. In New York City, where figures are regularly updated, around 53,500 individuals in families with children were staying in shelters as of July 9, approximately 10,000 more than during the point-in-time count in January.
These figures coincide with the continuous rise in the cost of living. Housing prices across the nation increased by 7.8% in June compared to the previous year. Research from the Government Accountability Office before the pandemic suggested that a $100 increase in median rent corresponded to a 9% rise in homelessness.
The growing number of homeless families may have long-term implications for the development and well-being of American families. Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that homeless children face higher risks of serious health conditions, substance abuse, and violence. Furthermore, each chronically homeless person costs taxpayers nearly $36,000 annually, highlighting the need for increased resources with every new individual experiencing homelessness.
Ellen Bassuk, founder of the National Center on Family Homelessness, stated that homelessness is not a static issue. It is a prolonged cycle that requires ongoing attention and intervention.
In an effort to break this cycle, the Biden administration unveiled a plan last year to reduce overall homelessness in the US by 25% by 2025. The plan includes expanding access to housing vouchers, simplifying the application process for government assistance programs, and proposing a budget of $10.3 billion for homelessness assistance programs in fiscal year 2024.
The District of Columbia experienced a 30% increase in family homelessness this year, with a majority of those affected being women who had experienced domestic violence. Surprisingly, three out of four individuals experiencing homelessness reported having income.
One such individual affected by homelessness is Mercedez Millings, a 28-year-old single mother of four. She worked as a delivery driver and in a pizza shop during the pandemic but still experienced homelessness, alternating between living in her car and staying with family. Currently, she and her children are residing in a Salvation Army shelter and Millings is taking personal finance and workforce development classes. However, she faces a significant hurdle in finding employment due to the lack of an official birth certificate for her youngest child, hindering her ability to access child care.
Despite the challenges, Millings remains optimistic and aspires to return to school and become a doula. She believes that once individuals experience the stability of a home, they never want to return to the streets.
Millings is fortunate to live in a city where shelter is available. However, in many parts of the country, homeless families are left to navigate their situations alone, as policies such as right-to-shelter exist primarily in cities like New York, Boston, and the District of Columbia. HUD reports that about half of all homeless families with children in places like Tennessee and Idaho were unsheltered in 2022. In Oregon, this number was even higher. In Raleigh, North Carolina, where almost 72% of homeless families were unsheltered, local authorities are working against the clock to expand their services.
Lorena McDowell, who oversees the department of housing affordability in Wake County, expressed her determination to tackle the issue of homelessness. Having experienced periods of homelessness herself while growing up, McDowell understands the urgency of finding not just temporary shelter, but permanent housing for people in need. She believes that once an individual falls into the cycle of homelessness, it becomes incredibly challenging to escape it and regain stability for their family.
As the nation faces the escalating crisis of family homelessness, the Biden administration’s plan aims to address this issue by providing comprehensive support and assistance. However, the road ahead remains challenging, demanding continued efforts and innovative solutions to ensure that every American has access to safe and stable housing.
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