Homelessness Rises To Record Levels In The U.S.

AUSTIN, TEXAS - DECEMBER 18: An unhoused resident sits on a street corner in downtown on December 18, 2023 in Austin, Texas. The federal government has reported an increase in homelessness nationwide across all household types. Homelessness has increased 12 percent from 2022, roughly equating to more than 70,000 people. People identifying as African Americans, or Black, and Indigenous groups continue to be among those experiencing homelessness in the greatest numbers, with people identifying as Asian Americans, or Asians having the greatest percentage increase. Among the list, those identifying as Hispanics or Latin(a)(o)(x) experienced the largest numerical increase, equating to over 39,000 people from the year prior. Speaking on the increase, the head of the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness said "The most significant causes are the shortage of affordable homes and the high cost of housing." (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)