Homelessness reached a record in 2023, and it could get worse
Newsy
Incomes have failed to keep up with the rising cost of rent for many, prompting more people to become homeless.
More Americans than ever before were homeless in 2023 as pandemic-era assistance ended and rental prices surged.
According to a new report prepared by the Joint Center for House Studies of Harvard University, 653,100 Americans were homeless at the start of 2023, setting a record.
Of those, 256,610 were unsheltered, living in the elements or unapproved living conditions, such as vehicles or abandoned buildings.
One big reason is there are fewer places to live that are considered affordable. According to the report, more than 500,000 low-rent units were lost from 2019 to 2022.
The number of people cost-burdened by rent — those spending over 30% of their income on housing and utilities — has subsequently increased to over 50%.
