US homelessness up double digits, rising numbers of asylum seekers, affordability crisis among causes

Migration had a particularly notable impact on family homelessness, which rose 39% from 2023 to 2024, according to the report. In the 13 communities that reported being affected by migration, family homelessness more than doubled.

In the remaining 373 communities, the rise in families experiencing homelessness was less than 8%, officials noted.

Rents have stabilized significantly since January 2024, with the HUD adding 435,000 new rental units in the first three quarters of 2024, according to the report.

The PIT count was conducted at the tail of significant increases in rental costs, "as a result of the pandemic and nearly decades of under-building of housing," officials said. "Rents are flat or even down in many cities since January."

In the statement, officials said unlawful crossings at the border dropped by more than 60% following the executive action.

Homelessness among veterans dropped to the lowest number on record, with nearly an 8% decrease - from 35,574 in 2023 to 32,882 in 2024, according to the report. Among unsheltered veterans, the number dropped nearly 11% - from 15,507 in 2023 to 13,851 in 2024. 

"No American should face homelessness, and the Biden-Harris Administration is committed to ensuring every family has access to the affordable, safe, and quality housing they deserve," said Adrianne Todman, HUD agency head. "While this data is nearly a year old, and no longer reflects the situation we are seeing, it is critical that we focus on evidence-based efforts to prevent and end homelessness. We know what works and our success in reducing veteran homelessness by 55.2% since 2010 shows that."