USA sees spike in homelessness in 2024

[nycfan]

“… Homelessness in the United States is soaring, increasing 18.1 percent in 2024 after a 12 percent increase the year prior. Natural disasters, inadequate options for migrants, and a devastating lack of affordable housing are the primary catalysts.

There are now 770,000 homeless individuals in the United States, according to data collected by the Department of Housing and Urban Development in January of this year. This number does not include those who are transient—like those couch surfing and staying with friends or family.

There are some troubling developments within this data. For one, Black Americans are sorely overrepresented, making up just 12 percent of the country but 32 percent of the homeless population.

Family homelessness also spiked by nearly 40 percent, particularly in cities that saw larger waves of migrants, like Denver, Chicago, and New York City. Almost 150,000 children were homeless on any given night in 2024, a shocking 33 percent increase from 2023.

And the destructive Maui wildfire left over 5,000 in homeless shelters …”

 

[nycfan]

GIFT LINK —> Migrants and End of Covid Restrictions Fuel Jump in U.S. Homelessness

“… The report, released by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, showed that homelessness had risen by a third in the past two years, after years of only modest fluctuations. The agency blamed factors such as “our worsening national affordable-housing crisis,” inflation and the end of certain aid programs from the pandemic.

But federal officials on a call with reporters placed special emphasis on the rise in asylum-seeking migrants who overwhelmed the shelter systems where much of the increase occurred.

… Veterans were the lone group among whom homelessness declined last year, the report found. That continues a long-term trend driven by bipartisan support for services and housingthat is at odds with the rancor of the broader homelessness debate. The number of homeless veterans fell by 8 percent last year and is down more than half since 2009. …”

 

[nycfan]

 

[nycfan]

 

[Callatoroy]

There has to be some model that some state is employing that is working. What is CA doing? What's Joe's and Kamala's solution for fixing it?

"But federal officials on a call with reporters placed special emphasis on the rise in asylum-seeking migrants who overwhelmed the shelter systems where much of the increase occurred."

Just can't make this up. Shocked at this. I thought all the migrants were out there building shelters for themselves and others. At least that's what this board would have people believe.

 

[heel79]

What role does mental illness play? I would guess huge. My father was a psychiatrist and once was mental health director for NC. He led effort to deinstitutionalize but it was not funded. As he told me often politicians don't care about mentally ill because they don't vote.

 

[nycfan]

These numbers are over a decade old but still get cited in a lot of academic and government/think tank analyses of homelessness:

“…The idea that mental illness alone causes homelessness is naive and inaccurate, for two major reasons. First, the overwhelming majority of those living with mental illness are not homeless (and studies have failed to demonstrate a causal relationship between the two).

These types of distortions can have dangerous implications, wrongly focusing the attention on the individual rather than on the institutions that perpetuate housing insecurity.

As a result, the illusory division between the “mentally ill homeless” and the “non-mentally ill homeless” casts the former as more deserving of intervention and services and the latter as seemingly “unworthy” or “undeserving” of support.

Though there is no causal relationship between mental illness and homelessness, those who suffer from housing insecurity are struggling significantly, both psychologically and emotionally. The constellation of economics, subsistence living, family breakdown, psychological deprivation and impoverished self-esteem all contribute to the downward cycle of poverty.



According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in 2010, 26.2% of all sheltered persons who were homeless had a severe mental illness, and 34.7% of all sheltered adults who were homeless had chronic substance use issues.

Of those who experience chronic/long-term homelessness, approximately 30% have mental health conditions and 50% have co-occurring substance use problems.

Also, they typically endure traumatic experiences that could potentially lead to mental health struggles, and certain environmental factors may increase the likelihood that they encounter future traumas.

More than 92% of mothers who are homeless have experienced severe physical and/or sexual abuse during their lifetime, and about two-thirds of homeless mothers have histories of domestic violence.

Mothers who are homeless have three times the rate of PTSD and twice the rate of drug and alcohol dependence of their low-income housed counterparts. Left untreated, these stressors can further damage their mental health, potentially triggering maladaptive coping and putting them at risk for future traumatic events. …”

Examining the Link Between Homelessness and Mental Illness

www.menningerclinic.org

 

[nycfan]

BUT

Mental illness among people experiencing homelessness | Venice Family Clinic

Venice Family Clinic featured in article about mental illness among people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles

venicefamilyclinic.org

“… The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority reported in 2020 that about 25 percent of all homeless adults in Los Angeles County suffer from severe mental illnesses such as a psychotic disorders and schizophrenia.

A 2022 study by the RAND Institute found that 54% of unhoused Angelenos reported having a mental health condition.

And, when a broad view of mental health is taken into consideration – including depression, stress and anxiety – some experts argue that it impacts all homeless people. …”

 

[nycfan]

“… Data in 2023 suggests that approximately 21% of the homeless population in the United States experiences some form of mental illness, and approximately 16% of the homeless population experiences some form of substance misuse (Saluda, 2023; Continuum of Care Subpopulation Report). These numbers vary slightly based on the reporting source, with other reports citing as high as 30-50% (Lo et al., 2022).

Recognized overlap in these two populations exacerbates the concern, as it indicates that those rough percentages account for a significant number of individuals in need of support. Not every person who is homeless requires care for either or both challenges, but we must be prepared to provide care for those who do.

People who experience homelessness have difficulty consistently accessing services. The dropout rate in services is stunningly high, potentially reaching as many as two-thirds of those who seek treatment for substance abuse or mental health challenges (Lo et al., 2022). There are several factors that come into play, including lack of a permanent address to register for services, potential lack of consistency in sleeping/bedding down locations, and, overwhelmingly, stress: the level of stress an individual feels without housing can significantly impact their overall ability to manage mental hygiene or avoid substances (Lo et al., 2022).

Individuals report a high need to escape their situation, however temporary that escape may be. That escape can come in the form of any number of drugs, alcohol, or behaviors, even in the form of not managing psychiatric symptoms. …”

The Impact of Housing on Mental Health Issues and Substance Misuse

Mental health and substance misuse clients are often treated without considering housing as part of the solution.

behavioralhealthnews.org

 

[nycfan]

Last one for now:

State of Homelessness: 2024 Edition

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of homelessness and reveals rising trends, disparities based on race, ethnicity, and gender, and the challenges faced in providing shelter and assistance to those in need.

endhomelessness.org

Website is a bit buggy but some good info here.

 

[lawtig02]

These numbers are over a decade old but still get cited in a lot of academic and government/think tank analyses of homelessness:

“…The idea that mental illness alone causes homelessness is naive and inaccurate, for two major reasons. First, the overwhelming majority of those living with mental illness are not homeless (and studies have failed to demonstrate a causal relationship between the two).

These types of distortions can have dangerous implications, wrongly focusing the attention on the individual rather than on the institutions that perpetuate housing insecurity.

As a result, the illusory division between the “mentally ill homeless” and the “non-mentally ill homeless” casts the former as more deserving of intervention and services and the latter as seemingly “unworthy” or “undeserving” of support.

Though there is no causal relationship between mental illness and homelessness, those who suffer from housing insecurity are struggling significantly, both psychologically and emotionally. The constellation of economics, subsistence living, family breakdown, psychological deprivation and impoverished self-esteem all contribute to the downward cycle of poverty.



According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in 2010, 26.2% of all sheltered persons who were homeless had a severe mental illness, and 34.7% of all sheltered adults who were homeless had chronic substance use issues.

Of those who experience chronic/long-term homelessness, approximately 30% have mental health conditions and 50% have co-occurring substance use problems.

Also, they typically endure traumatic experiences that could potentially lead to mental health struggles, and certain environmental factors may increase the likelihood that they encounter future traumas.

More than 92% of mothers who are homeless have experienced severe physical and/or sexual abuse during their lifetime, and about two-thirds of homeless mothers have histories of domestic violence.

Mothers who are homeless have three times the rate of PTSD and twice the rate of drug and alcohol dependence of their low-income housed counterparts. Left untreated, these stressors can further damage their mental health, potentially triggering maladaptive coping and putting them at risk for future traumatic events. …”

Examining the Link Between Homelessness and Mental Illness

www.menningerclinic.org

I wouldn’t call myself an expert on this, but I do a lot of work with the unhoused and at-risk communities. I don’t think it could possibly be accurate to say there’s NO causal link between mental illness and homelessness. It’s definitely true there are millions of mentally ill Americans who are housed, and there are many unhoused Americans who are not mentally ill. But mental illness is absolutely rampant in the unhoused community, and for many, it’s a pretty dang direct cause of their situation. So I’m fully on board with not discounting homelessness by attributing it to mental illness. That’s neither accurate nor helpful. But we are in desperate need of more resources to help care for the mental health needs of our unhoused community, just as we need far more resources for all Americans.

 

[Zoo_View]

What role does mental illness play? I would guess huge. My father was a psychiatrist and once was mental health director for NC. He led effort to deinstitutionalize but it was not funded. As he told me often politicians don't care about mentally ill because they don't vote.

For years, the Director of Division TEACCH at UNC, Eric Schopler, advocated to the parents and families of autistic and intellectually disabled children that they needed to lobby their state legislators and Congressme/Senators for support and programs to help.

Eric Schopler and his peers would lobby, testify, etc.; but, Eric always told the parents and families and friends, “I’m a pointy-headed Liberal Ph.D in Chapel Hill. For most politicians, I’m not a constituent. You are.”

Family and friends of the homeless and/or mentally ill need to contact town/city councils, county commissioners, state legislators, governors, and federal officeholders and demand changes to benefit homeless and/or mentally ill people.

 

[mpaer]

The homelessness crisis also directly plays into right-wing fear mongering about crime.

It’s a lot easier to address people’s issues with mental health or drug addiction if they have a place of their own to live and sleep.

So living in the Raleigh area I regularly see tent cities pop up-on DOT land typically Eventually they are shut down because of an "uptick of reported crime in and around the tent cities"

 

[nycfan]

I wouldn’t call myself an expert on this, but I do a lot of work with the unhoused and at-risk communities. I don’t think it could possibly be accurate to say there’s NO causal link between mental illness and homelessness. It’s definitely true there are millions of mentally ill Americans who are housed, and there are many unhoused Americans who are not mentally ill. But mental illness is absolutely rampant in the unhoused community, and for many, it’s a pretty dang direct cause of their situation. So I’m fully on board with not discounting homelessness by attributing it to mental illness. That’s neither accurate nor helpful. But we are in desperate need of more resources to help care for the mental health needs of our unhoused community, just as we need far more resources for all Americans.

I get that and share your sense of the matter. But there is a feeling that overstating the mental health issues of homeless hardens people against the homeless and makes it easier to support or look away when homeless people are handled more like vermin than people.

 

[NCK9]

https://www.npr.org/2025/07/24/nx-s1-5479139/trump-homelessness-executive-order-civil-commitment-camping

Trump signs an executive order to make it easier to remove homeless people from streets​

Fulfilling a campaign promise, President Trump has signed an executive orderthat seeks to overhaul the way the U.S. manages homelessness.

The order signed Thursday calls for changes to make it easier for states and cities to remove outdoor encampments and get people into mental health or addiction treatment. That includes involuntary civil commitment for those "who are a risk to themselves or others."

"Endemic vagrancy, disorderly behavior, sudden confrontations, and violent attacks have made our cities unsafe," the order states.

 

[mpaer]

For purposes of discussion I will offer up two categories of Homeless folks. (Grotesquely oversimplified admittedly)
1. People that just freaking ran out of rent money.
2. People that have a variety of MH/Substance Abuse issues and either are unemployed or just can't function "running a household , getting along with others-be it the Landlord or the bank that owns their mortgage. I actually know a 73 yr old lady that has her own house-but most of the time she wanders around homeless in Carrboro-because her house is a filthy hellhole-her down doing .

Group 1 needs vouchers. Easy in theory-we just don't like to tax the folks with money much or we could do it today
Group 2 needs MH/SA help .And vouchers. There lots of "halway house" models etc that should be funded. There is likely a whole new approach to substance abuse that needs to be implemented-Super has talked a lot about this in past posts
Both 1 and 2 need attention

To give a really good perspective on Psychiatric care in the USA I think it is worth knowing the largest concentration of folks with psychiatric problems in many cities are the local jails-often with hundreds or thousands of inmates. Incarceration ends eventually and the underlying issue is not addressed at all
The president is as usual an idiot-he addresses Nothing that will help slow down people becomig homeless. If NC wants to throw the homeless in a psych Hospital , State funding dictates most will stay there about a week
Then what

 

[mpaer]

What role does mental illness play? I would guess huge. My father was a psychiatrist and once was mental health director for NC. He led effort to deinstitutionalize but it was not funded. As he told me often politicians don't care about mentally ill because they don't vote.

Hopefully you knew Dr A.G.Tolley (RIP) who ran Dix for years .If you lived in Chapel Hill you knew his kids
Great family

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/newsobserver/name/aubrey-tolley-obituary?id=10541378

 

[Huh?]

Fleeing from domestic abuse is a third category.

Vouchers only work as an emergent solution for overall housing unaffordability. It is more economically efficient to add to housing supply through zoning changes and development incentives rather than vouchers.

Another issue is that the Section 8 program, which tried to incorporate many of these ideas at inception, is now more of a landlord subsidy than it is a housing program. You can make an argument that it should be blown up and refunded entirely at the state and local level.

 

[Ramrouser]

A California audit in 2024 revealed that California spent $24 billion on homelessness over a five year period but homelessness increased by 30,000 to more than 181,000 in the state. Thus, California spent the equivalent of about $160,000 per person in addressing this issue.

What are we doing wrong and how can we spend money more effectively in addressing this problem? Honest inquiry as a number of you seem to know a lot about this issue?

 

[mpaer]

Fleeing from domestic abuse is a third category.

Vouchers only work as an emergent solution for overall housing unaffordability. It is more economically efficient to add to housing supply through zoning changes and development incentives rather than vouchers.

Another issue is that the Section 8 program, which tried to incorporate many of these ideas at inception, is now more of a landlord subsidy than it is a housing program. You can make an argument that it should be blown up and refunded entirely at the state and local level.

Good points
Now I know some small time Section 8 landlords-and they all are a good deal for everyone involved